Regular alcohol consumption over time may increase the risk of colorectal cancer, according to a US study published in the journal Cancer.
While overall cancer mortality among people under 50 has been declining in countries such as the US, deaths from colorectal cancer have been on the rise. The findings are based on 88,092 cancer-free participants enrolled in a large cancer screening trial between 1993 and 2001. Over 20 years of follow-up, 1,679 participants were diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
People who routinely consumed 14 or more drinks per week (heavy drinkers) had a 25 per cent higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and a 95 per cent higher risk of rectal cancer compared with those who averaged fewer than one drink per week (light drinkers).
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Heavy drinking throughout adulthood was also associated with a 91 per cent higher risk of colon cancer compared with consistent light drinking.
In contrast, former drinkers showed no increased risk of colorectal cancer, suggesting that quitting alcohol may help lower the risk. Former drinkers were also less likely to develop noncancerous colorectal growths, known as adenomas, which can sometimes progress to cancer, than current light drinkers.
The findings highlight alcohol consumption as a modifiable risk factor for colorectal cancer.