Alcoholic beverages were classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 1988 and are attributed to 740,000 cases of cancer in 2020 or 4.1% of new cancer cases.[1][2] Heavy drinking consisting of 15 or more drinks per week for men or 8 or more drinks per week for women beverages/week contributed the most to cancer incident compared with moderate drinking. The rate of alcohol related cases is 3:1 in males compared with females, especially in oesophageal, and liver cancers.[1] Breast cancer is also related to alcohol consumption in women.[1]IARC additionally classifies alcoholic beverage consumption as a cause of oesophagus, liver, female breast, colon, oral cavity, rectum, pharynx and laryngeal cancers and as a probable cause of pancreatic cancer.[2]
3.6% of all cancer cases and 3.5% of cancer deaths worldwide are attributable to consumption of alcohol (specifically, acetaldehyde a derivative of ethanol).[3]
Alcohol is thought to cause cancer through three main mechanisms:
as well as secondary mechanisms of Liver cirrhosis, Microbiome Dysbiosis, reduced immune system function, Retinoid metabolism, Increased levels of inflammation, 1-Carbon metabolism and disruption of folate absorption.[4]
The alcohol industry has tried to actively mislead the public about the risk of cancer due to alcohol consumption, in addition to campaigning to remove laws that require alcoholic beverages to have cancer warning labels.
From 2013 to 2016, approximately 19,000 (4%) cancer-related deaths in the United States were attributed to alcohol consumption each year, with breast cancer and esophageal cancer deaths being the most common in women and men respectively.[10][11]
An estimated 3.2% of cancer deaths in United States were attributed to alcohol consumption. The distribution of mortality by state were consistent with the distribution of incident cases.[9]
Australia: A 2009 study found that 2,100 Australians die from alcohol-related cancer each year.[15]
Alcohol as a carcinogen and cocarcinogen[edit | edit source]
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (Centre International de Recherche sur le Cancer) of the World Health Organization has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, similar to arsenic, benzene, and asbestos. Its evaluation states, "There is sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of alcoholic beverages in humans. …Alcoholic beverages are carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)."[16] After more epidemiological evidence connecting alcohol and cancers became available the IARC reconvened in 2007. Based on epidemiological studies which revealed cancer risk was independent of the type of alcohol and animal studies which showed increased cancer risk with exposure to ethanol alone, the group determined that the ethanol in alcoholic beverages was carcinogenic to humans. Alcohol was determined to increase the risk of developing breast cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancers, pharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, and oral cancer. In 2009, the group determined that acetaldehyde which is a metabolite of ethanol is also carcinogenic to humans.[17] As of 2021, the 15th report of the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) classifies the consumption of alcoholic beverages as "known to be a human carcinogen" while acetaldehyde is classified as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen".[18]
Acetaldehyde is a byproduct of ethanol breakdown in the liver, metabolized by Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), Cytochrome P-450 2E1 and bacterial catalases.[4][19] The liver then normally eliminates 99% of the acetaldehyde. ALDH2 converts Acetaldehyde into acetate which is a byproduct that can be excreted through the liver. Those with ADH1B*1 have higher rates of conversion of ethanol into Acetaldehyde while, people with ALDH2*2 have a slower conversion rate of acetaldehyde to acetate causing faster build up of acetaldehyde concentrations.[20] 28-45% of east asian populations carry the ALDH2*2 allele.[4] An average liver can process 7 grams of ethanol per hour. For example, it takes 12 hours to eliminate the ethanol in a bottle of wine, giving 12 hours or more of acetaldehyde exposure.
The Acetaldehyde motif can bind DNA to alter its physical shape or block repair and synthesis mechanisms to induce mutations, breaks and exchanges .[4][20] Acetaldehyde and Ethanol both inhibit S-adenosyl-L-methiodine (SAMe) synthesis which is a methyl group transferase.[21]
DNA Methylation is the addition of a methyl group to the carbon-5 of nucleotides. the most common methylation site is onto a cystine preceding guanine nucleotides.[21] This methylation is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferase enzymes taking a methyl group from SAMe. Heavy alcohol consumption is thought to cause epigenetic changes by decreasing the availability of SAMe thereby changing the methylation pattern of DNA causing hypo or hypermethylation resulting in alteration of DNA transcription.[21]
Oxidative stress and ROS accumulation is a major player in cancer growth. the metabolism of ethanol by CYP450 2E1 into acetaldehyde has a byproduct of ROS. The presence of ROS in the cellular environment causes lipid peroxidation which can lead to exocyclic adducts.[20] ROS in a tumor microenvironment can also act as an intercellular signal leading to up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factors and monocyte chemotactic protein-1.[20] The accumulation of iron is also found to correlate to alcohol consumption which leads to higher levels of peroxidation and resulting oxidative damage.[22]
High levels of hormones in serum have been associated with heavy alcohol use. Especially Oesterogen and estradiol which can increase transcriptional activity in ER+ cells which promote cell proliferation.[23][4][24] Those in pre-menopause using progestin contraceptives have some compensation for the high levels of estradiol, though after menopause those with heavy alcohol consumption have higher risk for breast cancer and estrogen dependent cancers.[24][22]
Additional mechanisms contribute to cancer risk with alcohol consumption. It is thought that heavy alcohol consumption can cause a decrease in folic acid availability which can decrease the availability of nucleotides for DNA repair.[21] Additionally ethanol can decrease the conversion of homocysteine to methionine which is an essential amino acid that is part of the formation of SAMe.[21][22]
Increased inflammation due to alcohol consumption can increase various cytokine formations especially NF-κB which is a transcription factor.[4]
Additionally Alcohol usage is associated with lower Vitamin A levels which causes a reduction in retinoid conversion and signaling.[4][19][22]
Individuals who both smoke and drink are at a much higher risk of developing mouth, tracheal, and esophageal cancer. Ethanol is thought to potentially be a solvent for carcinogenic factors in smoking.[23] Research has shown their risk of developing these cancers is 35 times higher than in individuals who neither smoke nor drink. This evidence may suggest that there is a cocarcinogenic interaction between alcohol and tobacco-related carcinogens.[25][26]
Individuals who both smoke and drink are at a much higher risk of developing mouth, tracheal, and esophageal cancer. Ethanol is thought to potentially be a solvent for carcinogenic factors in smoking.[23] Research has shown their risk of developing these cancers is 35 times higher than in individuals who neither smoke nor drink. This evidence may suggest that there is a cocarcinogenic interaction between alcohol and tobacco-related carcinogens.[25][26]
The risk of cancer associated with alcohol consumption is higher in tissues in closest contact on ingestion of alcohol, such as the oral cavity, pharynx and esophagus. This is explained by the fact that ethanol is a proven mutagen and in addition, metabolite of ethanol (acetaldehyde) produced in the liver is highly carcinogenic, thus explaining both local (mouth, throat, esophageal cancers) as well as distant (skin, liver, breast) cancers. It is well known that ethanol causes cell death at the concentrations present in alcoholic beverages. Few cells survive a one-hour exposure to 5–10% ethanol or a 15-second exposure to 30–40% ethanol in cell culture, where surviving cells might undergo genomic changes leading to carcinogenesis. But recent evidence suggests that the cytotoxic effect of ethanol on the cells lining the oral cavity, pharynx and esophagus activates the division of the stem cells located in deeper layers of the mucosa to replace the dead cells. Every time stem cells divide, they become exposed to unavoidable errors associated with cell division (e.g., mutations arising during DNA replication and chromosomal alterations occurring during mitosis) and also become highly vulnerable to the genotoxic activity of DNA-damaging agents (e.g., acetaldehyde and tobacco carcinogens). Alcohol consumption probably increases the risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx and esophagus by promoting the accumulation of cell divisions in the stem cells that maintain these tissues in homeostasis. Because the cytotoxic activity of ethanol is concentration-dependent, the risk of these cancers will not only increase with increasing amounts of ethanol, but also with increasing concentrations; an ounce of whisky is probably more carcinogenic when taken undiluted than when taken mixed with non-alcoholic beverages. The local cytotoxic effect of ethanol may also explain the known synergistic effect of alcohol and tobacco use on the risk of these cancers.[27]
A study found that alcohol stimulates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), in which ordinary cancer cells change into a more aggressive form and begin to spread throughout the body.[28][29]
Effect of alcohol on the progress of cancer when established[edit | edit source]
A study of the influence of alcohol intake on tumor growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with type C cirrhosis, found that alcohol influenced tumor volume doubling time (TVDT).[30]
A study of chick embryos suggests that alcohol stimulates their tumor growth by fueling the production of a growth factor that stimulates blood vessel development in tumors.[31] A 2006 study in mice showed moderate drinking resulted in larger and stronger tumors via a process known as angiogenesis.[32][33]
A study where high amounts of alcohol were given to mice suggests that it accelerates their cancer growth by speeding up the loss of body fat and depressing immune activity.[34]
Since acetaldehyde produced from the metabolism of alcohol plays a role in the carcinogenicity induced by alcohol consumption, mutations in the enzymes involved in the production of acetaldehyde can lead to increased cancer risk. These enzymes included Cytochrome P450 2E1 and alcohol dehydrogenase.[35] A study found that "the ADH1C*1 allele and genotype ADH1C*1/1 were significantly more frequent in patients with alcohol-related cancers…"[36] A European study has found two gene variants which offer "significant" protection against mouth and throat cancers.[37] Alcohol is a known porphyrinogenic chemical. Several European studies have linked the inherited hepatic porphyrias with a predisposition to hepatocellular carcinoma. Typical risk factors for HCC need not be present with the acute hepatic porphyrias, specifically acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria and hereditary coproporphyria. Porphyria cutanea tarda is also associated with HCC, but with typical risk factors including evidence of hepatotropic viruses, hemochromatosis and alcoholic cirrhosis. Tyrosinemia Type I, an inherited disorder in tyrosine metabolism impacting the second enzyme in the heme metabolic pathway is associated with a high risk of developing HCC in younger populations, including children.[38]
those who increased alcohol consumption had a higher cancer risk (including, but not limited to, alcohol-related cancers) than those who kept the same level of alcohol intake;
the risk increased "regardless of the baseline drinking level"; notably, non-drinkers who became mild or moderate drinkers also had a risk increase.
The study also had some limitations. For example, the participants were all registered at the South Korean National Health Insurance Service, but the study did not take into account alcohol metabolism diseases which are commonly found in East Asia.[39]
The participants were not younger than 40.[39]
No data was available to account for positive lifestyle and behaviors held during the screening, that may have influenced the cancer risk, nor for the participants' drinking habits that preceded the screening.[39]
A prior study found that, "Increasing but moderate alcohol consumption in women was determined to be associated with an increased risk of cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, larynx, rectum, breast, and liver…".[40]
Cancers of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, and larynx[edit | edit source]
Alcohol consumption at any quantity is a risk factor for cancers of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx and larynx. The U.S. National Cancer Institute states "Drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, larynx, and liver in men and women, … In general, risks increases above baseline with any alcohol intake (mild; <2 glass of wine per week) and increases significantly with moderate alcohol intake (one glass of wine per day) with highest risk in those with greater than 7 glasses of wine per week. (A drink is defined as 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.) … Also, using alcohol with tobacco is riskier than using either one alone, because it further increases the chances of getting cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus."[41] The federal government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 defines moderate alcohol drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Heavy alcohol drinking is defined as having more than three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks per week for women and more than four drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week for men.
The International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology (INHANCE) Consortium co-ordinated a meta-study on the issue.[42] A study looking at laryngeal cancer and beverage type concluded, "This study thus indicates that in the Italian population characterized by frequent wine consumption, wine is the beverage most strongly related to the risk of laryngeal cancer."[43]
A review of the epidemiological literature published from 1966 to 2006 concluded that:
The risk of esophageal cancer nearly doubled in the first two years following alcohol cessation, a sharp increase that may be due to the fact that some people only stop drinking when they are already experiencing disease symptoms. However, risk then decreased rapidly and significantly after longer periods of abstention.
Risk of head and neck cancer only reduced significantly after 10 years of cessation.
After more than 20 years of alcohol cessation, the risks for both cancers were similar to those seen in people who never drank alcohol.[44][45]
A study concluded that for every additional drink regularly consumed per day, the incidence of oral cavity and pharynx cancers increases by 1 per 1000. The incidence of cancers of the esophagus and larynx increase by 0.7 per 1000.[40]
A 2008 study suggests that acetaldehyde (a breakdown product of alcohol) is implicated in oral cancer.[46][47]
A woman drinking an average of two units of alcohol per day has an 8% higher risk of developing breast cancer than a woman who drinks an average of one unit of alcohol per day.[53] A study concluded that for every additional drink regularly consumed per day, the incidence of breast cancer increases by 11 per 1000.[40] Approximately 6% (between 3.2% and 8.8%) of breast cancers reported in the UK each year could be prevented if drinking was reduced to a very low level (i.e. less than 1 unit/week).[53] Moderate to heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages (at least three to four drinks per week) is associated with a 1.3-fold increased risk of the recurrence of breast cancer. Further, consumption of alcohol at any quantity is associated with significantly increased risk of relapse in breast cancer survivors.[54][55]
Drinking may be a cause of earlier onset of colorectal cancer.[56] The evidence that alcohol is a cause of bowel cancer is convincing in men and probable in women.[57]
The National Institutes of Health,[58] the National Cancer Institute,[59] Cancer Research,[60] the American Cancer Society,[61] the Mayo Clinic,[62] and the Colorectal Cancer Coalition,[63] American Society of Clinical Oncology[64] and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center[65] list alcohol as a risk factor.
A WCRF panel report finds the evidence "convincing" that alcoholic drinks increase the risk of colorectal cancer in men at consumption levels above 30 grams of absolute alcohol daily.[66] The National Cancer Institute states, "Heavy alcohol use may also increase the risk of colorectal cancer"[67]
A 2011 meta-analysis found that alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.[68]
Alcohol is a risk factor for liver cancer, through cirrhosis.[69][70][71] "Cirrhosis results from scar formation within the liver, most commonly due to chronic alcohol use."[72]
"Approximately 5 percent of people with cirrhosis develop liver cancer. Cirrhosis is a disease that develops when liver cells are replaced with scar tissue after damage from alcohol abuse, …"[73]
The NIAAA reports that "Prolonged, heavy drinking has been associated in many cases with primary liver cancer." However, it is liver cirrhosis, whether caused by alcohol or another factor, that is thought to induce the cancer."[74][75]
"The chances of getting liver cancer increase markedly with five or more drinks per day" (NCI).
A study concluded that for every additional drink regularly consumed per day, the incidence of liver cancer increases by 0.7 per 1000.[40]
In the United States, liver cancer is relatively uncommon, affecting approximately 2 people per 100,000, but excessive alcohol consumption is linked to as many as 36% of these cases by some investigators.[25][76] "Overall, 61% of HCC were attributable to HCV [hepatitis C virus], 13% to HBV [hepatitis B virus], and 18% to heavy alcohol drinking."[77] A study in the province of Brescia, northern Italy concluded, "On the basis of population attributable risks (AR), heavy alcohol intake seems to be the single most relevant cause of HCC in this area (AR: 45%), followed by HCV (AR: 36%), and HBV (AR: 22%) infection."[78]
Alcohol intake of more than 2 drinks per day is associated with a small increased risk of lung cancer.[79] Commenting on a study by Freudenheim et al., R. Curtis Ellison MD writes, "This study, like others, suggests a weak, positive association between consuming larger amounts of alcohol (>2 drinks a day) and lung cancer risk."[80] However, studies on the relationship between alcohol consumption and lung cancer have yielded conflicting results. Studies are typically impacted by confounding due to factors like smoking which is one of the most significant risk factors for the development of lung cancer. The association of alcohol consumption with lung cancer is unclear.[81]
Results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition (EPIC) cohort indicated a positive association between alcohol consumption and skin cancer. Baseline alcohol intake as well as lifetime alcohol consumption were associated with an increased risk of the development of squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma in men. There was also an increased risk of these skin cancers in women, but the association wasn't as strong as that seen in men.[82] Any alcohol intake is associated with the development of malignant melanoma.[83]
"Statistically significant increases in risk also existed for cancers of the stomach, colon, rectum, liver, female breast, and ovaries."[84]
"While alcohol has been extensively studied as a cause of stomach cancer there is no conclusive evidence that it increases risk. However, results from at least three studies suggest that heavy alcohol consumption may increase the risk of stomach cancer in heavy smokers."[85][86][87][88]
A Taiwanese study concluded, "…cigarette smoking may play the most harmful role in the initial development of gastric cancer, and that drinking alcohol may promote the process."[85]
A Norwegian study found that, "No statistically significant associations between various degrees of exposure to alcohol and risk of gastric cancer was revealed, but combined high use of cigarettes (>20/day) and alcohol (>5 occasions/14 days) increased the risk of noncardia gastric cancer nearly 5-fold (HR = 4.90 [95% CI = 1.90–12.62]), compared to nonusers."[87]
Consumption of 50g or more per day increases risk[edit | edit source]
Alcohol has been identified as a risk factor for endometrial cancer.[89] Data however, on the association of alcohol intake and endometrial cancer is conflicting. Where data exists for an association low to moderate intake of alcohol, (less than two drinks per day) is not associated with an increased risk but an association has been suggested for higher alcohol intake.[90][91] "Our results suggest that only alcohol consumption equivalent to 2 or more drinks per day increases risk of endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women."[92] "In conclusion, our results suggest that low alcohol consumption (up to one drink per day) is unlikely to substantially influence risk of endometrial cancer."[93]
Alcohol has been suggested as a risk factor for gallbladder cancer.[94] Evidence suggests that a high intake of alcohol is associated with gallbladder cancer.[95][96] Men may be at a higher risk of alcohol-related gallbladder cancer than women.[97]
"Thus, the results of this study suggest that relatively elevated alcohol intake (of the order of 40 g per day or more) may cause a modest increase of epithelial ovarian cancer risk.".[98] "Associations were also found between alcohol consumption and cancers of the ovary and prostate, but only for 50 g and 100 g a day."[99]
"Statistically significant increases in risk also existed for cancers of the stomach, colon, rectum, liver, female breast, and ovaries."[84]
"Thus, this pooled analysis does not provide support for an association between moderate alcohol intake and ovarian cancer risk."[100]
"Data from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study showed only a weak association between overall alcohol intake and prostate cancer risk, and no association at all between red wine intake and prostate cancer risk."[101]
A meta-analysis published in 2001 found a small but significant increased risk for men drinking more than 50 g/day of alcohol, with a slightly higher risk for men consuming more than 100 g/day.[102] Since that analysis, cohort studies in America have found increased risks for men drinking moderate amounts of spirits, and for 'binge drinkers,[103] but moderate consumption of beer or wine has not been linked to an increased risk.[104][105][106]
Alcohol consumption of 50 g and 100 g per day is also associated with cancers of the ovary and prostate.[99] However, one study concludes, that moderate alcohol consumption increases the risk of prostate cancer. Liquor, but not wine or beer, consumption was positively associated with prostate cancer."[104]
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that men who consumed four or more glasses of red wine per week had a 50 percent reduction in the risk of developing prostate cancer. They "found no significant effects – positive nor negative – associated with the consumption of beer or hard liquor and no consistent risk reduction with white wine, which suggests that there must be a beneficial compound in red wine that other types of alcohol lack. That compound … may be an antioxidant called resveratrol, which is abundant in the skins of red grapes.".[105][107]
A meta analysis of studies published in 2009 found that consumption of only 2 standard drinks per day increased the cancer risk by 20%.[108][109]
A study of small intestine cancer patients reported that alcohol consumption was associated with adenocarcinomas and malignant carcinoid tumors.[110]
"In men and women combined, a significant 3-fold increased risk in heavy drinkers (80+g ethanol/day) relative to more moderate
drinkers and non-drinkers was observed."[111]
"Alcohol and tobacco consumption did not increase the risk of adenocarcinoma of the small intestine. … While the present data are inconsistent with a major effect of tobacco or alcohol, a moderate association between these factors and small bowel cancer may have been obscured by the play of chance."[112]
Intake of alcohol during pregnancy has been associated with childhood leukemia.[113] A review published by the National Cancer Institute placed maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy in the category of "suggestive" but concluded that the risk was not important.[114]
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
For ALL in children, maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy is "unlikely to be an important risk factor for ALL"[114]
A study concluded, "In conclusion, even though our study did not show a clear association between alcohol intake and leukemia risk, some of the patterns of the risk estimates (a possible J-shaped dose-response curve between alcohol intake and ALL, AML, and CLL risks, and the positive association between alcohol and CML), may be suggestive."[115]
Childhood AML
"Three studies have reported an increased risk (approximately 1.5-2 fold) in mothers who drank alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. These associations have been particularly apparent in children diagnosed younger than three years of age.".[114] "Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of infant leukemia, especially AML."[116]
Acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL)
A study found that intrauterine exposure to alcohol doubled the risk for childhood ANLL.[117]
A study concluded, "In conclusion, even though our study did not show a clear association between alcohol intake and leukemia risk, some of the patterns of the risk estimates (a possible J-shaped dose-response curve between alcohol intake and ALL, AML, and CLL risks, and the positive association between alcohol and CML), may be suggestive."[115]
Alcohol has been suggested as a possible cause of multiple myeloma,[119] although a study found no association between MM in a comparison study between drinkers and non-drinkers.[120]
Whilst the association between alcohol abuse and pancreatitis is well established the association between alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer is less clear. Overall the evidence suggests a slightly increased risk of pancreatic cancer with chronic heavy alcohol consumption but the evidence remains conflicting with a number of studies finding no association.,[121][122] but no increased risk for people consuming up to 30g of alcohol a day[123]
Overall, the association is consistently weak and the majority of studies have found no association.[25][123][124] Although drinking alcohol excessively is a major cause of chronic pancreatitis, which in turn predisposes to pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis associated with alcohol consumption is less frequently a precursor for pancreatic cancer than other types of chronic pancreatitis.[125]
Some studies suggest a relationship,[126] the risk increasing with increasing amount of alcohol intake.[127][128] The risk is greatest in heavy drinkers,[121][122][129] mostly on the order of four or more drinks per day.[130] There appears to be no increased risk for people consuming up to 30g of alcohol a day,[123][131][132] which is approximately 2 alcoholic beverages/day,[132] so most people who take alcohol do so at a level that "is probably not a risk factor for pancreatic cancer".[122] A pooled analysis concluded, "Our findings are consistent with a modest increase in risk of pancreatic cancer with consumption of 30 or more grams of alcohol per day".[132]
Several studies caution that their findings could be due to confounding factors.[121][133] Even if a link exists, it "could be due to the contents of some alcoholic beverages"[134] other than the alcohol itself. One Dutch study even found that drinkers of white wine had lower risk.[135]
"About 7 out of 10 cases of chronic pancreatitis are due to long term heavy drinking. Chronic pancreatitis is a known risk factor for cancer of the pancreas. But chronic pancreatitis that is due to alcohol doesn't increase risk as much as other types of chronic pancreatitis. So if there is a link with alcohol and pancreatic cancer risk, it is only very slight."[125]
"Our findings indicate that alcohol drinking at the levels typically consumed by the general population of the United States is probably not a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Our data suggest, however, that heavy alcohol drinking may be related to pancreatic cancer risk."[122]
"Relative risks of pancreatic cancer increased with the amount of alcohol consumed (Ptrend = 0.11) after adjustment for age, smoking status, and pack-years of smoking."[136]
"Alcoholics had only a modest 40% excess risk of pancreatic cancer … The excess risk for pancreatic cancer among alcoholics is small and could conceivably be attributed to confounding by smoking."[121]
"It was shown that the relative risk of cancer of the pancreas increases with fat and alcohol intakes, … Alcohol may be not directly involved in the aetiology of cancer of the pancreas: its effect could be due to the contents of some alcoholic beverages."[137]
"When compared with data from non-drinkers, the cumulative lifetime consumption of all types of alcohol in grams of ethanol… beer, spirits, red wine and fortified wine was not related to risk. The consumption of white wine was inversely associated with risk…. The uniformly reduced risk estimates for the lifetime number of drinks of white wine were based on small numbers…."[138]
"For the most part, consumption of total alcohol, wine, liquor and beer was not associated with pancreatic cancer."[139]
"Data from these two large cohorts do not support any overall association between coffee intake or alcohol intake and risk of pancreatic cancer."[123]
"Our findings are consistent with a modest increase in risk of pancreatic cancer with consumption of 30 or more grams of alcohol per day."[140]
"Epidemiological data on alcohol drinking and bladder cancer are suggestive of no association, although findings were not always consistent. For both habits, an explanation of the moderate increase in risk observed in some investigations might be attributed to residual confounding by smoking, or to an association between alcohol, coffee, and yet unidentified risk factors for bladder cancer."[143]
A study concluded "that alcoholic women are at high risk for in situ and invasive cervical cancer" but attributed this to indirect, lifestyle-related reasons.[144]
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) breast cancer[edit | edit source]
"DCIS patients and control subjects did not differ with respect to oral contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy, alcohol consumption or smoking history, or breast self-examination. Associations for LCIS were similar."[145]
A systematic review found evidence that light drinking may decrease the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma whereas high intake of alcohol may increase the risk.[150]
A review concluded that "There is no firm evidence of a causal relation between behavior risks [tobacco, alcohol and diet] and testicular cancer."[153]
A 2009 review found that alcohol intake does not affect the risk of developing thyroid cancer.[154] However, a 2009 study of 490,000 men and women concluded that alcohol may reduce the risk of thyroid cancer.[155] A 2009 study of 1,280,296 women in the United Kingdom concluded, "The decreased risk for thyroid cancer that we find to be associated with alcohol intake is consistent with results from some studies, although a meta-analysis of 10 case–control studies and two other cohort studies reported no statistically significant associations."[156]
A Danish study found that "Abstinence from alcohol consumption was associated with low risk for both VV-SCCvagina and VV-SCCvulva in our study."[157]
A study concluded that alcoholic women are at high risk for cancer of the vagina.[144] In both studies, indirect, lifestyle-related reasons were cited.
One study reported "No consistent association emerged between milk, meat, liver, alcohol and coffee consumption and risk of vulvar cancer."[158] A Danish study found the reverse, that alcohol consumption is significantly associated with VV-SCCvagina and VV-SCCvulva cancer.[157] A Swedish study concluded that alcoholic women are at no higher risk for cancer of the vulva.[144]
A study concluded, "The results of this large-scale European study … suggested a protective effect of alcohol on development of NHL for men and in non-Mediterranean countries."[159] A population based case-control study in Germany found that alcohol reduced the risk of HL for both men and women but more so for men, whose risk was lowered by 53%.[160]
A population-based case-control study in Italy reported a protective effect of alcohol consumption on risk of HL among non-smokers.[120] Analysis of data from a series of case-control studies in Northern Italy revealed a modest positive effect of alcohol on lowering risk of HL among both smokers and non-smokers.[161]
A study considering more than 1 million American women found that increasing levels of alcohol consumption were associated with a decreased risk of Hodgkin's Lymphoma.[40]
Kidney cancer (Renal cell carcinoma) (RCC)[edit | edit source]
"Moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a lower risk of renal cell cancer among both women and men in this pooled analysis"[162] "This pooled analysis found an inverse association between alcohol drinking and RCC. Risks continued to decrease even above eight drinks per day (i.e. >100 g/day) of alcohol intake, with no apparent levelling in risk."[163]
A study concluded, "Results from our prospective cohort study of middle-aged and elderly women indicate that moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with decreased risk of RCC."[164] Researchers who conducted a study in Iowa reported that "In this population-based case-control investigation, we report further evidence that alcohol consumption decreases the risk of RCC among women but not among men. Our ability to show that the association remains after multivariate adjustment for several new confounding factors (i.e., diet, physical activity, and family history) strengthens support for a true association.[165]
Another study found no relationship between alcohol consumption and risk of kidney cancer among either men or women.[166]
A Finnish study concluded, "These data suggest that alcohol consumption is associated with decreased risk of RCC in male smokers. Because most of the risk reductions were seen at the highest quartile of alcohol intake and alcohol is a risk factor for a number of cancers particularly among smokers, these data should be interpreted with caution."[167] "Our data suggest an inverse association between alcohol intake and risk of renal cell cancer…"[168] Compared with nondrinkers, men who drank one or more drinks per day had a 31% lower risk of kidney cancer among 161,126 Hawaii-Los Angeles Multiethnic Cohort participants.[169]
A study considering more than 1 million American women found that increasing levels of alcohol consumption were associated with a decreased risk of renal cancer.[40]
A study concluded, "People who drink alcoholic beverages might have a lower risk of NHL than those who do not, and this risk might vary by NHL subtype."[170] "Compared with nondrinkers, alcohol consumers had a lower risk for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma overall … and for its main subtypes."[171] A study concluded, "Nonusers of alcohol had an elevated NHL risk compared with users…"[172]
Some studies have found a protective effect on NHL of drinking some forms of alcoholic beverage or in some demographic groups. A study of men in the US found that consumption of wine, but not beer or spirits, was associated with a reduced NHL risk[173] and a large European study found a protective effect of alcohol among men and in non-Mediterranean countries.."[174] A study of older women in Iowa found alcohol to reduce the risk of NHL and the amount of alcohol consumed, rather than the type of alcoholic beverages, appeared to be the main determinant in reducing risk."[175] A possible mechanism has been suggested.[176]
Some studies have not found a protective effect from drinking. British research found no association between frequency of drinking and NHL[177] and research in Sweden found that total beer, wine, or liquor intake was not associated with any major subtype of NHL examined, apart from an association between high wine consumption and increased risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.."[178]
One study of NHL patients concluded, "Our findings strongly encourage physicians to advise NHL patients to stop smoking and diminish alcohol consumption to obtain improvements in the course of NHL."[179]
A study considering more than 1 million American women found that increasing levels of alcohol consumption were associated with a decreased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.[40]
As outlined above, there is no recommended alcohol intake with respect to cancer risk alone as it varies with each individual cancer. See Recommended maximum intake of alcoholic beverages for a list of governments' guidances on alcohol intake which, for a healthy man, range from 140–280g per week.
One meta-analysis suggests that risks of cancers may start below the recommended levels. "Risk increased significantly for drinkers, compared with non-drinkers, beginning at an intake of 25 g (< 2 standard drinks) per day for the following: cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx (relative risk, RR, 1.9), esophagus (RR 1.4), larynx (RR 1.4), breast (RR 1.3), liver (RR 1.2), colon (RR 1.1), and rectum (RR 1.1)"[180][181]
World Cancer Research Fund recommends that people aim to limit consumption to less than two drinks a day for a man and less than one drink a day for a woman. It defines a "drink" as containing about 10–15 grams of ethanol.[182]
Alcohol industry manipulation of the science on alcohol and cancer[edit | edit source]
A study published in 2017 has found that front organisations set up by the world's leading alcohol companies are actively misleading the public about the risk of cancer due to alcohol consumption. The study drew parallels with the long-standing activities of the tobacco industry. It also claimed that there was a particular focus on misleading women drinkers, because much of the misinformation about cancer produced by these companies was found to be focused on breast cancer.[183]
The alcohol industry around the world has also campaigned to remove laws that require alcoholic beverages to have cancer warning labels.[184]
A 2019 survey conducted by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) showed that only 45% of Americans were aware of the associated risk of cancer due to alcohol consumption, up from 39% in 2017.[185] The AICR believes that alcohol-related advertisements about the healthy cardiovascular benefits of modest alcohol overshadow messages about the increased cancer risks.[185]
↑Homann N, Stickel F, König IR, et al. (April 2006). "Alcohol dehydrogenase 1C*1 allele is a genetic marker for alcohol-associated cancer in heavy drinkers". International Journal of Cancer. 118 (8): 1998–2002. doi:10.1002/ijc.21583. PMID16287084. S2CID11716548.
↑"Definite breast cancer risks". CancerHelp UK. Cancer Research UK. 30 August 2017. Archived from the original on 11 February 2009. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
↑Takada, Akira; Shujiro Takase; Mikihiro Tsutsumi (1992). "Alcohol and Hepatic Carcinogenesis". In Raz Yirmiya; Anna N. Taylor (eds.). Alcohol, Immunity, and Cancer. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. pp. 187–209. ISBN978-0-8493-5761-9.
↑Duffy, S.W., and Sharples, L.D. Alcohol and cancer risk. In: Duffy, J.L., ed. Alcohol and Illness: The Epidemiological Viewpoint. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 1992. pp. 64–127.'
↑ 85.085.1Chen MJ, Chiou YY, Wu DC, Wu SL (November 2000). "Lifestyle habits and gastric cancer in a hospital-based case-control study in Taiwan". The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 95 (11): 3242–9. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2000.03260.x. PMID11095349. S2CID23570395.
↑Inoue M, Tajima K, Hirose K, Kuroishi T, Gao CM, Kitoh T (February 1994). "Life-style and subsite of gastric cancer—joint effect of smoking and drinking habits". International Journal of Cancer. 56 (4): 494–9. doi:10.1002/ijc.2910560407. PMID8112885. S2CID21402545.
↑Moerman CJ, Bueno-de-Mesquita HB (1999). "The epidemiology of gallbladder cancer: lifestyle related risk factors and limited surgical possibilities for prevention". Hepatogastroenterology. 46 (27): 1533–9. PMID10430290.
↑Pandey M, Shukla VK (August 2003). "Lifestyle, parity, menstrual and reproductive factors and risk of gallbladder cancer". European Journal of Cancer Prevention. 12 (4): 269–72. doi:10.1097/00008469-200308000-00005. PMID12883378. S2CID32148865.
↑Yagyu K, Kikuchi S, Obata Y, et al. (February 2008). "Cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and the risk of gallbladder cancer death: a prospective cohort study in Japan". International Journal of Cancer. 122 (4): 924–9. doi:10.1002/ijc.23159. PMID17955487. S2CID29223553.
↑La Vecchia C, Negri E, Franceschi S, Parazzini F, Gentile A, Fasoli M (September 1992). "Alcohol and epithelial ovarian cancer". Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. 45 (9): 1025–30. doi:10.1016/0895-4356(92)90119-8. PMID1432017.
↑ 114.0114.1114.2Malcolm A. Smith, Lynn A. Gloeckler Ries, James G. Gurney, Julie A. Ross [1]Archived 5 February 2013 at the Wayback Machine National Cancer Institute 34 SEER Pediatric Monograph
↑ 122.0122.1122.2122.3Silverman DT, Brown LM, Hoover RN, et al. (1 November 1995). "Alcohol and pancreatic cancer in blacks and whites in the United States". Cancer Research. 55 (21): 4899–905. PMID7585527.
↑ 123.0123.1123.2123.3Michaud DS, Giovannucci E, Willett WC, Colditz GA, Fuchs CS (2001). "Coffee and alcohol consumption and the risk of pancreatic cancer in two prospective United States cohorts". Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 10 (5): 429–37. PMID11352851.
↑Villeneuve PJ, Johnson KC, Hanley AJ, Mao Y (February 2000). "Alcohol, tobacco and coffee consumption and the risk of pancreatic cancer: results from the Canadian Enhanced Surveillance System case-control project. Canadian Cancer Registries Epidemiology Research Group". European Journal of Cancer Prevention. 9 (1): 49–58. doi:10.1097/00008469-200002000-00007. PMID10777010.
↑Ahlgren JD (April 1996). "Epidemiology and risk factors in pancreatic cancer". Seminars in Oncology. 23 (2): 241–50. PMID8623060.
↑Cuzick J, Babiker AG (March 1989). "Pancreatic cancer, alcohol, diabetes mellitus and gall-bladder disease". International Journal of Cancer. 43 (3): 415–21. doi:10.1002/ijc.2910430312. PMID2925272. S2CID35777641.
↑Harnack LJ, Anderson KE, Zheng W, Folsom AR, Sellers TA, Kushi LH (December 1997). "Smoking, alcohol, coffee, and tea intake and incidence of cancer of the exocrine pancreas: the Iowa Women's Health Study". Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 6 (12): 1081–6. PMID9419407.
↑Schottenfeld, D. and J. Fraumeni, ed. (1996) Cancer epidemiology and prevention. 2nd ed., Oxford University Press: Oxford[page needed]
↑ 132.0132.1132.2Genkinger JM, Spiegelman D, Anderson KE, Bergkvist L, Bernstein L, van den Brandt PA, English DR, Freudenheim JL, Fuchs CS, Giles GG, Giovannucci E, Hankinson SE, Horn-Ross PL, Leitzmann M, Männistö S, Marshall JR, McCullough ML, Miller AB, Reding DJ, Robien K, Rohan TE, Schatzkin A, Stevens VL, Stolzenberg-Solomon RZ, Verhage BA, Wolk A, Ziegler RG, Smith-Warner SA (March 2009). "Alcohol intake and pancreatic cancer risk: a pooled analysis of fourteen cohort studies". Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 18 (3): 765–76. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-08-0880. PMC2715951. PMID19258474. In summary, a weak positive association between alcohol intake during adulthood and pancreatic cancer risk was observed in the highest category of intake (≥30g/day or approximately 2 alcoholic beverages/day). Associations with alcohol intake were stronger among individuals who were normal weight. Thus, our findings are consistent with a modest increase in risk of pancreatic cancer for alcohol intakes of at least 30 grams/day.
↑Zatonski WA, Boyle P, Przewozniak K, Maisonneuve P, Drosik K, Walker AM (February 1993). "Cigarette smoking, alcohol, tea and coffee consumption and pancreas cancer risk: a case-control study from Opole, Poland". International Journal of Cancer. 53 (4): 601–7. doi:10.1002/ijc.2910530413. PMID8436433. S2CID39084516.
↑Bueno de Mesquita HB, Maisonneuve P, Moerman CJ, Runia S, Boyle P (February 1992). "Lifetime consumption of alcoholic beverages, tea and coffee and exocrine carcinoma of the pancreas: a population-based case-control study in The Netherlands". International Journal of Cancer. 50 (4): 514–22. doi:10.1002/ijc.2910500403. PMID1537615. S2CID23170705.
↑Harnack LJ, Anderson KE, Zheng W, Folsom AR, Sellers TA, Kushi LH (1997). "Smoking, alcohol, coffee, and tea intake and incidence of cancer of the exocrine pancreas: the Iowa Women's Health Study". Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 6 (12): 1081–6. PMID9419407.
↑Bueno de Mesquita HB, Maisonneuve P, Moerman CJ, Runia S, Boyle P (February 1992). "Lifetime consumption of alcoholic beverages, tea and coffee and exocrine carcinoma of the pancreas: a population-based case-control study in The Netherlands". International Journal of Cancer. 50 (4): 514–22. doi:10.1002/ijc.2910500403. PMID1537615. S2CID23170705.
↑Villeneuve PJ, Johnson KC, Hanley AJ, Mao Y (February 2000). "Alcohol, tobacco and coffee consumption and the risk of pancreatic cancer: results from the Canadian Enhanced Surveillance System case-control project. Canadian Cancer Registries Epidemiology Research Group". European Journal of Cancer Prevention. 9 (1): 49–58. doi:10.1097/00008469-200002000-00007. PMID10777010.
↑Pelucchi C, La Vecchia C (February 2009). "Alcohol, coffee, and bladder cancer risk: a review of epidemiological studies". Eur. J. Cancer Prev. 18 (1): 62–8. doi:10.1097/CEJ.0b013e32830c8d44. PMID19077567.
↑ 144.0144.1144.2Weiderpass E, Ye W, Tamimi R, et al. (1 August 2001). "Alcoholism and risk for cancer of the cervix uteri, vagina, and vulva". Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 10 (8): 899–901. PMID11489758.
↑Claus EB, Stowe M, Carter D (December 2001). "Breast carcinoma in situ: risk factors and screening patterns". Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 93 (23): 1811–7. doi:10.1093/jnci/93.23.1811. PMID11734598. S2CID13818666.
↑Kuijten RR, Bunin GR (1 May 1993). "Risk factors for childhood brain tumors". Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 2 (3): 277–88. PMID8318881.
↑Howe GR, Burch JD, Chiarelli AM, Risch HA, Choi BC (1989). "An exploratory case-control study of brain tumors in children". Cancer Research. 49 (15): 4349–52. PMID2743324.
↑Preston-Martin S, Yu MC, Benton B, Henderson BE (1982). "N-Nitroso compounds and childhood brain tumors: a case-control study". Cancer Research. 42 (12): 5240–5. PMID7139628.
↑Stang A, Ahrens W, Anastassiou G, Jöckel KH (December 2003). "Phenotypical characteristics, lifestyle, social class and uveal melanoma". Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 10 (5): 293–302. doi:10.1076/opep.10.5.293.17319. PMID14566630. S2CID1592701.
↑Heck JE, Ritz B, Hung RJ, Hashibe M, Boffetta P (March 2009). "The epidemiology of neuroblastoma: a review". Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 23 (2): 125–43. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3016.2008.00983.x. PMID19159399.
↑van Hemelrijck; Mieke J.J. (2007). "Tobacco, Alcohol and Dietary Consumption: Behavior Risks Associated with Testicular Cancer?". Current Urology. 1 (2): 57–63. doi:10.1159/000106534. S2CID71608840.
↑Dal Maso L, Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Franceschi S (February 2009). "Risk factors for thyroid cancer: an epidemiological review focused on nutritional factors". Cancer Causes Control. 20 (1): 75–86. doi:10.1007/s10552-008-9219-5. PMID18766448. S2CID25427265.
↑Besson H, Brennan P, Becker N, et al. (August 2006). "Tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: A European multicenter case-control study (Epilymph)". International Journal of Cancer. 119 (4): 901–8. doi:10.1002/ijc.21913. PMID16557575. S2CID41632578.
↑Rashidkhani B, Akesson A, Lindblad P, Wolk A (December 2005). "Alcohol consumption and risk of renal cell carcinoma: a prospective study of Swedish women". International Journal of Cancer. 117 (5): 848–53. doi:10.1002/ijc.21231. PMID15957170. S2CID38418551.
↑Pelucchi C, La Vecchia C, Negri E, Talamini R, Franceschi S (December 2002). "Alcohol drinking and renal cell carcinoma in women and men". European Journal of Cancer Prevention. 11 (6): 543–5. doi:10.1097/00008469-200212000-00006. PMID12457106. S2CID45637355.
↑Mahabir S, Leitzmann MF, Virtanen MJ, et al. (1 January 2005). "Prospective study of alcohol drinking and renal cell cancer risk in a cohort of finnish male smokers". Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 14 (1): 170–5. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.170.14.1. PMID15668492. S2CID3141532.
↑Morton LM, Zheng T, Holford TR, et al. (July 2005). "Alcohol consumption and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a pooled analysis". The Lancet Oncology. 6 (7): 469–76. doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(05)70214-X. PMID15992695.
↑Willett EV, Smith AG, Dovey GJ, Morgan GJ, Parker J, Roman E (October 2004). "Tobacco and alcohol consumption and the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma". Cancer Causes & Control. 15 (8): 771–80. doi:10.1023/B:CACO.0000043427.77739.60. PMID15456990. S2CID37360569.
↑Chang ET, Smedby KE, Zhang SM, et al. (December 2004). "Alcohol intake and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in men and women". Cancer Causes & Control. 15 (10): 1067–76. doi:10.1007/s10552-004-2234-2. PMID15801490. S2CID38550648.
↑Talamini R, Polesel J, Spina M, et al. (April 2008). "The impact of tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking on survival of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma". International Journal of Cancer. 122 (7): 1624–9. doi:10.1002/ijc.23205. PMID18059029. S2CID12974079.
↑Corrao G, Bagnardi V, Zambon A, La Vecchia C (May 2004). "A meta-analysis of alcohol consumption and the risk of 15 diseases". Preventive Medicine. 38 (5): 613–9. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2003.11.027. PMID15066364.