Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the blood within the lymphatic system. This system is a component of the immune system, thus, this cancer greatly decreases immune system function.1 Lymphoma is characterised into two types, which are referred to as Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Reed-Sternberg cells are lymphocytes (white blood cells) used to differentiate between the two types of lymphoma. These cells only appear in Hodgkin’s lymphoma, categorised by their oblong-shaped nucleus.2 There have been instances of some cells that resemble Reed-Sternberg cells in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases, however, these are not quite the same and can lead to the wrong type of lymphoma being diagnosed.3
Alcohol is commonly consumed in a variety of different social settings and is ingrained in some cultures. It is widely known that alcohol affects your liver function and health; however, it is also largely implicated in immune system function. Alcohol can lead to immunosuppression (reduced immune function) and leave those who consume large amounts of alcohol more susceptible to certain infections.4
Many studies have demonstrated that alcohol increases the risk of developing lymphoma, and there is a large amount of research concerning the biological reasons for this phenomenon.5 This article is going to investigate the link between alcohol consumption and lymphoma development. Strategies to prevent the risk of lymphoma development when drinking alcohol will also be explored
There are many reasons why alcohol is a risk factor for developing lymphoma. Firstly, as aforementioned, alcohol has adverse effects on the immune system. This is through different mechanisms, such as altering the gut microbiome, which mediates some immune system functions. As well as this, alcohol leads to immune cells, including neutrophils and T cells, being damaged over time, which leads to worse immunity against infections.
An altered gut microbiome can also result in microbes being able to pass into the bloodstream as the digestive system gets damaged over time.6 Alcohol leads to the degradation of tight junctions between epithelial cells in the digestive tract. Tight junctions between epithelial cells are useful in ensuring that microbes and digestive contents do not leak into the bloodstream. As previously mentioned, alcohol compromises this protective mechanism, affecting the innate immune response.
Cells called neutrophils carry out the initial immune response. The functional ability of these neutrophils is greatly decreased due to alcohol.7
Alcohol affects other immune responses and notably leads to lower cytokine (immune system regulators) response, and can cause an overactive immune system during long-term alcohol consumption. These findings demonstrate that alcohol can negatively affect people in different ways regarding their immune response.8
Many immune cells are produced within the bone marrow. Studies have demonstrated that alcohol leads to bone marrow damage alongside the liver damage that occurs in those who consume alcohol excessively.9 Inflammation due to alcohol can lead to further liver damage.
Alcohol consumption has been linked to many different types of cancer, such as liver cancer, colon cancer, and breast cancer in women, among many others.10 The connection between alcohol and lymphoma is not conclusive at this moment in time, as some studies have indicated that alcohol increases the risk of lymphoma. Other studies, on the contrary, have implied that alcohol may reduce the risk of lymphoma; however, the reasoning behind this is yet to be fully established. This may be due to alcohol regulating immune responses that prevent cancer cells from growing and dividing.11
Overall, alcohol may lead to a lower risk of lymphoma development. However, the effect of alcohol on the immune system may lead to a higher risk of developing all types of cancer over a prolonged period of time.
Lymphoma that is largely caused by alcohol has some specific symptoms. Firstly, alcohol causes pain in the lymph nodes, which is unique to lymphoma cases that result from excessive alcohol consumption. When alcohol is consumed, the lymph nodes may swell and increase in temperature. This symptom is more common in Hodgkin’s lymphoma when compared to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.12 The lymph nodes appear enlarged following alcohol consumption, and although alcohol pain is considered to be a rare symptom of lymphoma, it is fairly common in later-stage Hodgkin’s disease instances.13
Many people who present with both forms of lymphoma have been shown to have some health issues, such as obesity or smoking. People with these underlying issues have lower survival rates than healthy individuals, therefore, early diagnosis is crucial to ensure that lifestyle changes can be implemented. Recognising symptoms such as changes in the lymph nodes is key to diagnosing individuals quickly and effectively.14
Alcohol consumption reduces the effectiveness of treatments and the recovery rates of those with lymphoma. Firstly, alcohol interacts with certain medications that are used to treat lymphoma. For example, alcohol is reported to lead to complications during chemotherapy, although the causal mechanisms need to be established to a greater degree over time.15 Alcohol is also commonly known to lower the success rates for pain medications, as well as anti-inflammatory medications. These treatments may lead to negative side effects when used in those who consume excessive alcohol.16
Lymphoma leads to many negative side effects, such as nausea and fatigue, as well as issues with liver function.17 Alcohol typically exacerbates the severity of these side effects and leads to negative patient outcomes overall.18 Alcohol can also lead to slower recovery rates in those with lymphoma. This is due to alcohol having adverse effects on the immune system and leading to organ dysfunction in severe cases.19 Natural killer (NK) cells are responsible for cancer cell death, and the production of these cells is limited during alcohol use, therefore leading to lower function and worse recovery outcomes for those with lymphoma.8
It is largely recognised by healthcare providers that alcohol consumption should be limited for those receiving treatment and recovering from many cancer types, including lymphoma.20
There are ways to reduce the likelihood of developing lymphoma that is largely due to alcohol use. If people choose to drink alcohol, it is vital to drink in moderation. Drinking in small amounts leads to a reduced risk of developing lymphoma and is a simple lifestyle change that can greatly reduce the chances of illness.21
Diet also plays a key role in the potential development of lymphoma. It has been demonstrated that obesity leads to an increased risk of developing both types of lymphoma, and that vegetables reduce this risk.
It is also essential to exercise regularly, as physical activity leads to a lower chance of obesity, leading to a lower chance of lymphoma.22
Finally, if you are at high risk of developing this condition to seek medical attention if you have any symptoms, and have regular check-ups so it can be diagnosed or managed quickly. Doctors can also ensure that those with the condition or those who are susceptible to lymphoma implement the required lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of lymphoma.23
In summary, alcohol is thought to lead to an increased risk of lymphoma, however, studies have conflicting opinions. Some studies have even demonstrated the possible benefits of alcohol consumption regarding lymphoma development. Alcohol leads to an increased chance of lymphoma when consumed in large amounts regularly. This is due to the effects on the immune system. By degrading the digestive tract and the body’s natural immune response, this leads to cancer cells being increasingly likely to grow and divide.
Alcohol negatively affects your body in other ways, such as organ damage in organs like the liver, and compromises immunity further due to bone marrow damage. It is important for those who are more susceptible to cancer development to implement a healthy lifestyle, as it is largely recognised that this greatly reduces the chances of developing lymphoma and other types of cancer.
It is also recommended that all individuals avoid excessive alcohol consumption. In the coming years, education on healthier lifestyle choices, such as lower alcohol consumption and more awareness of the role of alcohol in lymphoma development, will result in better patient outcomes for those with lymphoma and decrease the prevalence of this condition.
