Flushing From Alcohol a Risk Factor for Esophageal Cancer

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It is my understanding that this deficiency is more common in woman as well. I believe also possible in non-asian males but not as common.

amadeo of AZ 3:20AM October 05, 2010

I am in my early 50's, and have had all the symptoms for a few years now. Sad that alcohol now has a health threat attached to it. But this seems real, and the message should be spread.

Donna of PA 6:56PM April 02, 2010

I would just like to add that I also am a Caucasian woman in my 50s who experiences a red face when drinking alcohol. This began in my 40s (but I had never really developed a taste for alcohol until then; and I've pretty much given it up now for general health reasons). Like "LC", my recent ancestry is northern European on both sides. Is it at all possible that I could also have this gene, or must something else be causing the symptom?

DP of NY 1:40PM March 29, 2009

I, too, experience flushing when I drink alcohol. I am a middle aged Caucasian female with Northern European ancestry, no Asian blood I'm quite certain. All of the information I'm finding on this pertains to persons of Asian descent. Is it possible to have this deficiency and not be Asian? Thank you in advance.....

LC of FL 8:02PM March 27, 2009

I am half Japanese and half caucasian and have experienced the facial flushing apparently due to an this deficiency in the enzyme ALDH2. My daughter who is a physician exhibits this facial flushing as well. I always thought it was because of my Asian ancestry. Oddly, I have had a physical every year for the past 38 years (I am 65) and this potential risk of esophageal cancer never came up. I can drink 4 oz. of beer and get "red faced" flushing. Accordingly, I have nearly given up drinking any alcohol because the flushing is not pleasant. My step sister with a near identical ethnic background, has zero flushing and she can drink a case of beer with no symptoms! The upside is I am always the "designated driver"!

Hitobito of RI 1:09PM March 26, 2009

I'm asian and experience this phenomenon every time I drink. I used to wonder why my friends can tolerate so much more alcohol than I can (it's not for lack of trying on my part...ha ha). Now, I realize I need to be more careful about drinking.

JM of NY 5:43PM March 25, 2009