New research has revealed specific alcoholic consumption levels that significantly elevate the risk of developing colorectal cancer. A study published in the journal Cancer analyzed data from over 88,000 adults participating in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, finding that individuals who consumed an average of 14 alcoholic drinks per week — roughly two per day — had a 25% increased risk of rectal cancer, and a staggering 95% increased likelihood of developing colon cancer.
Dr. Lynn O’Connor, the section chief of colon and rectal surgery at Mercy Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital, explained that prolonged alcohol consumption leads to lasting exposure of the colon and rectum to damage, a critical factor driving cancer development. The relationship between alcohol and cancer is such that former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has proposed that alcohol products should carry cancer warning labels, as alcohol is linked to nearly 100,000 cancer diagnoses and about 20,000 cancer-related deaths annually.
This study emerges against the backdrop of a troubling trend: colorectal cancer rates among individuals under 50 are rising, with nearly a 3% annual increase in diagnoses, according to the American Cancer Society. In contrast, rates among those over 50 have been decreasing, largely due to the effectiveness of early screenings like colonoscopies.
Colorectal cancer often starts as small growths in the form of polyps in the colon. The Mayo Clinic notes these polyps frequently do not present symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular screening to detect and remove them before they can develop into cancer. While not all polyps can turn into cancer, identifying and removing them can significantly prevent the disease’s onset.
Adenomas, a type of precancerous polyp, can take up to 15 years to transform into cancer. The American Cancer Society emphasizes that screening methods, such as colonoscopies, enable doctors to identify and eliminate these growths in time. The encouraging message for heavy drinkers is that abstaining from alcohol may reduce the risk of developing nonadvanced adenomas, highlighting the potential health benefits of quitting drinking.
This research shines a light on the significant impact of alcohol consumption on colorectal cancer risk and serves as a reminder of the importance of regular medical screening for early detection and prevention strategies.