No one will blast you - it is an question I have asked myself. I was a social animal before diagnosis, and yes that meant going to the bar, going to dances, having friends over to play cards - all involved a drink or two or three. I LOOOOVE cold beer. Having said all that, I was certainly never an alcoholic - no where close. BUT, Both mother and her father were confirmed alcoholics. My mom died at the age of 44 from chirossis of the liver.

When I was told that alcohol could be a contributing factor to oral cancer (I had also smoked for years), I quit drinking pretty much completely for the first 4 years. The cancer came back anyway in 2 1/2 to 3 years.

Since my 2nd surgery I have kept my cold beers to a minimum. Usually I dont drink if I am in my home Province - with the exception of one beer every month or so. During our last trip to Mexico (all inclusive), I just didn't worry about it - I drank what I wanted.

I have discussed this subject many times with my doctors. They say that none of us live in a bubble and it is impossible to say EXACTLY what caused my cancer. They urge caution - they don't want me having 2/3 beers a day - but also say I should used moderation and enjoy my life. I get the impression from them that they think it was the smoking and not drinking that caused my cancer.

When you talk about causes, I often wonder about the genetic link I might have to this cancer. Cancer of the Tongue - years ago - was known as the Alcoholics Cancer - came from a combination of smoking and lots of drinking - normally attributed to 70 year old skid row men. I do feel that the old school picture of a tongue cancer patient did slow down me being properly diagnosed, but we have all learned since then.

Good luck with your decision.

Donna