Health
Heavy Drinking Raises Colorectal Cancer Risk
Health Points
- Heavy alcohol use over many years increases odds of colorectal and rectal cancer.
- Reducing alcohol intake or quitting can lower cancer risk to that of light drinkers.
- Alcohol breakdown products can damage cells, raising cancer likelihood.
Consistently averaging more than two alcoholic drinks per day can greatly raise the risk of developing colorectal and, especially, rectal cancer in adults over time, according to a large study.
The research, which followed over 88,000 participants for 20 years, found heavy long-term drinkers faced up to 95% higher odds of rectal cancer compared to those who drank lightly.
“There was no difference in colorectal cancer risk between light drinkers and former drinkers,” says Erikka Lotfield, PhD, MPH, National Cancer Institute researcher.
Current heavy drinkers who quit or significantly reduced their alcohol intake were able to lower their risk to match those who drank lightly.
“What’s especially important is that the study suggests that quitting alcohol may lower risk, which gives people something positive and actionable to work toward,” says Marianne Cusick, MD, UT Health Houston colon and rectal surgeon.
Alcohol’s cancer-causing potential is thought to result from its breakdown product, acetaldehyde, which can damage DNA and proteins in healthy cells.
“In simple terms, alcohol is broken down into chemicals that damage healthy cells,” says Richard Wender, MD, chair of family medicine and community health at the University of Pennsylvania.
The body’s reduced ability to absorb protective nutrients like vitamin A, folate, vitamin C, D, E, and carotenoids when drinking alcohol may also play a role in increasing risk.
This study relied on self-reported alcohol use and didn’t examine several lifestyle factors or differences among gender and ethnic groups, and cannot prove cause and effect.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. Early detection is key. Symptoms can include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, ongoing abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight loss.
Taking steps to limit long-term alcohol use and participating in regular screening can help protect your health as you age.
