Alcohol Drinking and Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Bagnardi V, Blangiardo M, Vecchia C La, Corrao G
Primary Institution: Dipartimento di Statistica, Università di Milano-Bicocca
Hypothesis
What is the association between alcohol consumption and the risk of various cancers?
Conclusion
The study found strong trends in cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption, particularly for cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus, and larynx.
Supporting Evidence
- Strong trends in risk were observed for cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx, oesophagus, and larynx.
- Less strong direct relations were observed for cancers of the stomach, colon, rectum, liver, breast, and ovary.
- Significant increased risks were found for ethanol intake of 25 g per day.
Takeaway
Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, especially in the mouth and throat.
Methodology
A meta-analysis of 235 studies was conducted, examining the relationship between alcohol intake and cancer risk using meta-regression models.
Potential Biases
Possible selective inclusion of relevant sites only in cohort studies.
Limitations
The study's inference is limited by the lack of distinction between lifelong abstainers and former drinkers in several studies.
Participant Demographics
The studies included over 117,000 cases, but specific demographics were not detailed.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website