The Effect of Alcohol on Decision-Making: Potential Impact on Early Cancer Detection

Authors

  • Jainne Martins-Ferreira Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Departamento de Psicologia. Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5318-5294
  • Adriana Tavares de Moraes Atty Instituto Nacional de Câncer. Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2271-746X
  • Laura Mello Schmidt Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Departamento de Psicologia. Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brasil. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3917-0942
  • Anna Carolina de Almeida Portugal Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Departamento de Psicologia. Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3693-9979

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32635/2176-9745.RBC.2025v71n3.5284

Keywords:

Alcohol Drinking, Social Cognition, Early Detection of Cancer

Abstract

Alcohol is an important risk factor for several chronic diseases, among them, cancer. But beyond the studies about alcohol’s carcinogenic action, investigations focused to alcohol effects on cognitive neuroscience and the impact on cessation of use and strategies for early detection of cancer are necessary. The chronic alcohol use promotes prolonged structural and functional alterations and damages the established connections between the prefrontal cortex, other cortical areas and subcortical regions that may compromise multitasks skills and potential labor-related memory deficits. This cognitive dysfunction is associated with the pattern of high-risk decision-making, suggesting a connection between the capacity of labor-related memory and propensity to hazardous choices for these individuals. Additionally, it is assumed that cognitive compromise caused by alcohol can harm the identification of warning signs for some types of cancer and affect the ability of decision-making while seeking health services. 

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Published

2025-06-24

How to Cite

1.
Martins-Ferreira J, Atty AT de M, Schmidt LM, Portugal AC de A. The Effect of Alcohol on Decision-Making: Potential Impact on Early Cancer Detection. Rev. Bras. Cancerol. [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 24 [cited 2025 Dec. 5];71(3):e-115284. Available from: https://rbc.inca.gov.br/index.php/revista/article/view/5284

Issue

Vol. 71 No. 3 (2025): July/Aug./Sept.

Section

OPINION ARTICLE

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