Hi, Seda Bug -

My drinking pattern is similar to yours - 2-4 drinks a month. I asked my ENT the same question. Knowing my alcohol consumption pattern, he said he didn't think it was a risk factor in my OC.

I'm not taking his comment as giving me license to drink. I think he was expressing the reality of this gray area: there is a causal relationship between alcohol & OC, but is there proof that having 2-4 drinks a month can cause OC? He couldn't tell me.

If I drank regularly, I might be concerned, but drinking is an occasional social activity for me. Am I taking an unnecessary risk? I don't think so. Still, this is my choice and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone else. You have to be comfortable with whatever choice you make.

Marlene

[quote=Seda Bug]I notice that many of you include non-drinker I realize there is or maybe a connection between Alcohol and Oral Cancer. I have always been a casual drinker and that is now maybe 2-3 drinks a month before my DX. My question is does having Oral Cancer mean I should NEVER have another glass of wine or cold beer. I know it is my choice but I don't feel informed about this issue. Please don't blast me for asking:)[/quote]

Marginal mandibulectomy 6/17/08 resulted in DX of Stage I SCC - gingiva (3 mm) right mandible, buccal side. Clear margins. Occasional social drinker. Smoked last cigarette in 1979. Clear pet: 12/08; 7/20/09. Yay!