Drinker's Red Face May Signal Cancer Risk

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/21/health/research/21alcohol.html?ref=science


It seems like these days, EVERYTHING causes cancer. Cell phones, hair dye, now red cheeks? The article discussed how flushed cheeks can symbolize an increased risk for esophageal cancer, caused a deficiency in the ALDH2 enzyme. Some people have two copies of the gene which prevents the individual from consuming too much alcohol. But those who flush sometimes are have an unusually high tolerance for alcohol because they have only one copy of the gene. This is a pretty relevant issue to college kids, especially at Lehigh, where the drinking culture is all above over-drinking. Maybe some Lehigh students, who we cheer for shot-gunning 10 beers in a row, or for "heroically" chugging a 40oz in 40 seconds, or for taking a series of shots in a row...maybe these students are putting themselves at high risk for cancer later in life!