ACSM Cancer Exercise Trainer (CET) Practice Test

Alcohol consumption is a well-established risk factor for several types of cancer, particularly those associated with the upper digestive tract and certain other organs. The types of cancer listed in the correct answer—mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, and breast—are all notably linked to alcohol intake.

The rationale behind this connection involves several mechanisms. Alcohol can act as an irritant, causing damage to the cells lining the mouth, throat, and esophagus, increasing the probability of mutations that lead to cancer. Furthermore, alcohol can affect the metabolism of other carcinogens by enhancing their effects or altering the body’s ability to process them. For example, it can impact the metabolism of estrogen, making women who consume alcohol more susceptible to breast cancer.

In contrast, the other options do not have the same level of association with alcohol consumption. While certain cancers like colon and pancreatic can be influenced by lifestyle factors, the specific cancers listed in the correct answer have a significantly stronger correlation with alcohol exposure, emphasizing the need for awareness and moderation in alcohol consumption to reduce cancer risks.