Hi, I have a friend who like me was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at the base of the tongue, she had a radical neck dissection and radiation .She's been cancer free for 3 years now, and she says her doctor told her it was OK to drink. I had a neck dissection 3 weeks ago and just out of curiosity asked ny doctor if drinking was ok, he said no. Who is right? Mine or my friend's doctor?

I don't think this is a right or wrong issue. First, the facts about alcohol. Its primary contribution to oral cancer is not to cause the cancer, but to facilitate the effects of its frequent partner, tobacco. Alcohol thins the cell wall and tissues allowing the carcinogens in tobacco easier access into the tissues of your oral environment. Also there is a big time differential between you and your friend. Three years out from treatment is very different from just out of surgery. I think that both doctors are right. I wouldn

As usual, Brian present an eloquent case about the other effects alcohol can have on tissues that are trying so hard to heal! What we have here is a bit of the usual "health care professional preference game" kind of like the old question about can a pregnant woman drink? Most of us all of have our biochemical answer AND the psychosocial one which ecnompasses feeling like you belong and enjoying a drink in the company of friends at a social event.

I can tell you that in Dave's case, his surgeon told him that wine and beer (in moderation-how that term is defined is also up for grabs!)are okay but hard liquor is not because of the effects on the tissues.

So, long answer to a simple question but this one does fall in the murky zone.

Kim