Alcohol-Cancer Link Gains Strength

In 2007, AICR’s expert report concluded that alcohol convincingly or probably increased the risk for oral, breast, esophageal, liver and colorectal cancers. Recent studies have added support to these findings and suggest that moderate alcohol may increase the risk of several cancer types.

In one large population study, researchers in the United Kingdom followed over 1.2 million middle-aged women. After tracking the women for an average of 7.2 years, the analysis showed that low to moderate alcohol consumption was linked with increased risk of oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, larynx, breast and total cancer. Women in the study who drank alcohol consumed, on average, one drink daily.

Another study focusing on men, this one from Canadian researchers, found that moderate and high alcohol consumption over a man’s lifetime increased the risk of six types of cancers, including stomach, colon, lung, esophagus and prostate.

ScienceNow is a quarterly publication of the American Institute for Cancer Research.

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The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the cancer charity that fosters research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the results. It has contributed more than $91 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. AICR has published two landmark reports that interpret the accumulated research in the field, and is committed to a process of continuous review. AICR also provides a wide range of educational programs to help millions of Americans learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk. Its award-winning New American Plate program is presented in brochures, seminars and on its website, www.aicr.org. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.

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