2008-05-08 23:37:45 - One American dies of oral cancer every hour. New research suggests alcohol plays a major role.

Doctors have long said that moderate drinking is OK. In fact, in recent years we've been told that a little red wine, which is loaded with heart-healthy antioxidants, can actually reduce the risk of heart attacks.

But now researchers at Australia's Cancer Institute NSW report that as little as two alcoholic drinks a day increase one's risk of deadly oral

cancer by a whopping 75%. That level of social drinking, according to the new report, also increases the risk of esophageal cancer by 50%, cancer of the larynx by 40%, and for women, the risk of breast cancer by 22%.

The Institute's report, 'Alcohol Consumption and Cancer Risk', presents findings based on analysis of published cancer research from around the world. 'The effect of alcohol on cancer risk is dose dependent and it is not possible to establish a level of consumption below which there is no increase in risk with respect to cancer,' the Institute advises.

With all cancer types, early detection is the key to reducing costly and often agonizing treatment, and to prolonging life. Annual cancer screening tests have become the norm, including the Pap smear for cervical cancer, the PSA test for prostate cancer, and mammograms for breast cancer.

The newest annual screening must is a ViziLite Plus oral cancer exam, offered by dentists as part of an annual check-up and cleaning. The exam features an FDA-approved 'glow-stick' and a special mouth rinse; together, they help dentists detect not only cancer but pre-cancerous tissue, raising the odds for a better outcome.

Helpful links on cancer topics are available at www.oralca.com. Details on the Cancer Institute report can be found at their website, www.cancerinstitute.org.au. Information on ViziLite Plus is at www.vizilite.com.