Moderate Alcohol Consumption and Colorectal Cancer Risk

Abstract

The association between the amount of alcohol consumed and the incidence of CRC was not significant at moderate intake levels. Moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a reduced CRC risk in study populations with greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet, where wine contributed substantially to the alcoholic beverage consumed. Other factors such as obesity, folate deficiency, and genetic susceptibility may contribute additional CRC risk for those consuming alcohol. To minimize CRC risk, appropriate recommendations should encourage intakes below 30 g of alcohol each day.

Prediagnostic alcohol consumption and colorectal cancer survival: The Colon Cancer Family Registry

“…20 Alcohol damages the epithelial cells of the intestinal tract through direct and indirect means, assisting the absorption of acetaldehyde, a recognized carcinogen, and facilitating the production of species that proliferate DNA damage, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation in the intestinal lumen. 20 Increased alcohol intake can also lead to a suppression of immune surveillance, which could impact both CRC risk and progression. 20 Our results indicated no association between overall pre-diagnostic alcohol consumption and survival, but also hinted at a potentially less favorable prognosis given higher daily liquor intake.…”

“…20 Increased alcohol intake can also lead to a suppression of immune surveillance, which could impact both CRC risk and progression. 20 Our results indicated no association between overall pre-diagnostic alcohol consumption and survival, but also hinted at a potentially less favorable prognosis given higher daily liquor intake.…”

Dietary and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Colorectal Cancer Risk and Interactions with Microbiota: Fiber, Red or Processed Meat and Alcoholic Drinks

“…A comprehensive dose-response meta-analysis also corroborated these findings, the RR for heavy drinkers compared with non-drinkers and occasional drinkers being 1.44 for CRC [30] . However, moderate alcohol consumption (<30 g/day) was not significantly associated with the incidence of CRC, and other factors, including a Mediterranean diet, folate deficiency and genetic susceptibility, would convert this association [31] . Nevertheless, another meta-analysis of light alcohol drinking (up to 1 drink/day) and cancer also showed no association for CRC, but an increasing risk of oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus and breast cancer [32] .…”

Incidence and risk factors of synchronous colorectal cancer in patients with esophageal cancer: an analysis of 480 consecutive colonoscopies before surgery

“…Klarich et al previously reviewed 21 articles on the association between the degree of alcohol intake and CRC occurrence. They suggested that moderate alcohol consumption (<30 glum/day) was not associated with the incidence of CRC [32]. In the present study, we only analyzed the presence of alcohol consumption habits.…”