Chemotherapy and alcohol do not even sound good together for many reasons. Certain chemotherapy drugs may not be affected by alcohol consumption. However, alcohol could not only cause adverse impact on the effectiveness of treatment with certain drugs but also it could indirectly hamper the patient’s health. Drugs like procarbazine and lomustine interfere with the action of chemotherapy drugs. Certain medications should also not be taken along with alcohol. Medications like painkillers, sedatives, anti-nausea drugs could react with alcohol, causing further complications in the already distressful disease.

Alcohol causes dehydration and dry mouth. Dehydration, nausea, and vomiting are major side effects of chemotherapy that would only be worsened by alcohol. Hence, it is not advisable to consume alcohol while undergoing chemotherapy. Managing side effects of chemotherapy  is not easy.

Alcohol is known to damage the liver if consumed in excess. The liver processes the body’s toxins. Alcohol hampers the ability of the liver in destroying the toxins. You should totally refrain from alcohol in case of liver cancer or any other liver conditions like hepatitis, jaundice, cirrhosis, etc.

Although alcohol is never encouraged, if your doctor allows you to consume alcohol during chemotherapy, do so in moderation. Heavy drinking is never recommended. However, if you consume alcohol it is important to keep in mind that to refrain from irresponsible behavior and binge drinking. This hampers the effectiveness of the treatment. Drink slowly and eat something before drinking to prevent intoxication. Alcohol is definitely not an option of self-medication to overcome depression or stress of suffering from a terminal illness.

Inform your doctor in case you are suffering from alcohol addiction. In fact, certain cancers like liver cancer are caused by alcoholism. Alcohol in fact is deemed as a carcinogen.

In fact, alcohol hugely contributes in developing certain cancers like liver, breast, colorectal, mouth, larynx, pharynx, and oesophagus. A combination of tobacco and alcohol enhances the risk for throat cancer as alcohol reacts with tobacco and certain other chemicals. Treatment for throat cancer  is available is the form of chemotherapy. One can opt for chemotherapy.

Alcohol boosts the tumor formed due to tobacco consumption. This has been proved by experiments done on mice in the research labs. The ethanol is broken down to form acetaldehyde that causes the hangover. This damages the DNA in healthy cells and hence weakens the immune system. This creates an environment in our body for the development of cancer.

Alcohol damages the functioning of nutrients absorption in the body. It reduces the absorption of essential nutrients like vitamin E, certain vitamin B groups, folic acid, iron, zinc, and vitamin A in the bloodstream. It reduces folate in the body that is essential for production of new DNA. This affects your health, your cell counts, and your immunity, which could defend you against cancer.

In fact, it is proved that pregnant and lactating mothers also should refrain from alcohol as it not only affects the development of the baby but also increases the risk of the baby developing leukemia in future.

Chemotherapy and alcohol do not go along well for these and many other reasons. If you are trying to reduce stress by consuming alcohol, there are many other constructive ways of reducing stress. Try to replace alcohol by other health drinks, ginger based tea, or fresh fruit juices. They are definitely much more helpful. Alcohol is not an option to do so. If you drink alcohol to boost your appetite, you could try for better alternatives by consulting a dietician.