It depends greatly on the exact treatment you’re receiving. Many patients are still able to drink alcohol in moderation during cancer treatment.
But some radiation and chemotherapy treatments can make alcohol taste bad. Alcohol may make nausea worse. And if you’re being treated for head and neck cancer or esophageal cancer, drinking alcohol may even be painful.
Regular alcohol intake can make bone marrow suppression and liver dysfunction worse. Since some cancer treatments risk those side effects, you should discuss whether it’s okay to drink alcohol with your cancer doctor.
Keep in mind, drinking even in moderation comes with risk. That said, alcohol is an important part of life for many people and the decision to drink (or not) is greatly dependent on what you value as an individual.
