One study has linked long-term alcohol consumption to an increased risk of colorectal and rectal cancer. Data examining lifetime alcohol consumption showed that current drinkers and heavy drinkers were particularly at risk compared with light or non-drinkers. It was also higher if heavy drinking continued during adulthood.
The study used data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI)’s prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer screening trials that began in 1993 and ended data collection in 2022.
“Our study is one of the first to examine how lifetime alcohol use is associated with both colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer risk,” said Ericka Loftfield, co-senior author of the study and principal investigator at NCI.
“Although data on former drinkers are sparse, we are encouraged to see that their risk may revert to that of light drinkers.”
measured over a lifetime
the studywas published in cancerused NCI trial data from 12,327 participants.
Alcohol consumption was measured across four age groups: 18–25, 26–39, 40–54, and 55+, and participants were categorized as past or current drinkers.
This study found that consistent heavy drinking over the lifespan was positively associated with colorectal cancer risk.
Current drinkers who drink 14 or more drinks a week over their lifetime have a 95% increased risk of rectal cancer, the study says.Currently, drinkers who drink 14 or more drinks per week over their lifetime have a 25% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and a 95% higher risk of rectal cancer than those who drink less than one drink per week.
Researchers also found that heavy and continuous drinking in adulthood increased the risk of colorectal cancer by 91%.
In previous research, Alcohol is associated with increased risk The presence or absence of colorectal cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer.
New research suggests that quitting drinking may lower your risk of developing adenomas, benign tumors that can become cancerous if left untreated. Former drinkers may have a lower risk of developing adenomas than current light drinkers who drink one drink a week or not at all.
But researchers say data is limited and more research is needed to see if abstinence reduces risk.
There are also other factors that may play a role, such as carcinogens in alcohol that cause DNA mutations and oxidative stress in the colon and rectum. Alcohol can also affect the gut microbiome, altering host cell proliferation and death, and affecting the immune system.
The researchers also noted, although they cannot conclude, that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce inflammation and DNA damage. This relationship has been previously investigated by speaking with researchers. nutrition insights About Data gaps and the impact of wine on gut microbiotaincluding when taken with meals.