Cancer Risks in Alcoholism Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Boffetta P, Ye W, Adami H-O, Mucci L A, Nyrén O
Primary Institution: Unit of Environmental Cancer Epidemiology, International Agency for Research on Cancer
Hypothesis
Alcoholic patients are at increased risk of cancers of the head and neck.
Conclusion
The study found that heavy drinkers have a significantly higher risk of developing cancers of the head and neck, particularly in areas directly exposed to alcohol.
Supporting Evidence
- The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx was 5.33.
- The SIRs of laryngeal and lung cancer were 4.21 and 2.40, respectively.
- Low age at first hospitalization was associated with higher SIRs for all sites under study.
- 25 years after first hospitalization for alcoholism, the cumulative probability of developing lung cancer was about 5%.
Takeaway
People who drink a lot of alcohol are more likely to get certain types of cancer, especially in their mouth and throat.
Methodology
The study followed patients with a hospital discharge diagnosis of alcoholism and compared their cancer incidence with the national population.
Participant Demographics
Patients hospitalized for alcoholism in Sweden from 1965 to 1994.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 5.04–5.64 for oral cavity and pharynx cancer; 95% CI 3.78–4.68 for laryngeal cancer; 95% CI 2.29–2.51 for lung cancer.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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