Cancer Morbidity in Alcohol Abusers
Author Information
Author(s): H. Tonnesen, H. M0ller, J.R. Andersen, E. Jensen, K. Juel
Primary Institution: Danish Cancer Society, Division for Cancer Epidemiology
Hypothesis
The aim of the present study was to describe the incidence of cancer in a large cohort of non-hospitalised severe alcoholics of both sexes.
Conclusion
The study confirms that alcohol abuse is associated with an increased risk of various cancers, particularly in the upper digestive and respiratory tracts.
Supporting Evidence
- 1,441 men developed cancer with a relative risk of 1.6.
- 182 women developed cancer with a relative risk of 1.5.
- Significantly increased incidences were found for cancers of the tongue, mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, liver, larynx, lung, and pleura.
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 18,368 alcohol abusers from an outpatient clinic in Copenhagen from 1954 to 1987, comparing their cancer incidence with the general Danish population.
Potential Biases
There may be risks of bias due to the observational nature of the study and potential underreporting of alcohol consumption.
Limitations
The study may have biases due to the reliance on self-reported alcohol intake and the potential for confounding factors.
Participant Demographics
The cohort consisted of 15,214 men and 3,093 women, primarily non-hospitalized alcoholics.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.5-1.7 for men; 95% CI 1.3-1.8 for women
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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