Real Estate · Riyadh Daily
Research shows that alcohol consumption can raise your risk of cancer and other health conditions, including alcohol-related cancer deaths. Recent studies indicate that alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the United States doubled between 1990 and 2023. Another study found that even low levels of alcohol consumption were associated with an increased risk of several cancers.
Heavy drinking is linked to a 25% higher risk of colorectal cancer. Alcohol consumption has long been linked to an increased risk of several health conditions, with three recent studies highlighting its potential effects. Cancer deaths attributed to alcohol consumption have doubled in the United States since 1990, according to research published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas.
The findings reveal that alcohol-related cancer deaths rose from 11,361 in 1990 to 23,126 in 2023. While males and adults aged 55 and older saw the greatest burden, increases were also seen across most cancer types, age groups, and regions. Among adults aged 20 to 54, colorectal cancer was the leading cancer death attributed to alcohol in men, while breast cancer was the leading cause for women.
Gilberto Lopes, MD, noted that alcohol-related cancer risk is not limited to one disease or group. Researchers analyzed 843 studies to evaluate alcohol consumption’s relationship with 20 health outcomes, including 10 types of cancer, 4 cardiovascular diseases, and 6 other conditions. Moderate evidence linked alcohol consumption to increased risks of lip and oral cavity cancer, laryngeal cancer, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and colorectal cancer.
Stronger evidence showed a 105% increased risk of pharyngeal cancer with alcohol consumption. Dr. Matt Glowiak emphasized abstinence as the safest option, while a study found that people with higher lifetime alcohol consumption had a 25% higher risk of colorectal cancer.
Former moderate-to-heavy drinkers showed no increased risk compared to consistent light drinkers, suggesting alcohol cessation may lower adenoma risk and potentially reduce cancer risk. Former drinkers also had a lower risk of developing nonadvanced adenomas.
Source: Healthline
