Alcohol linked to pancreatic cancer, in addition to seven other cancer types

Alcohol has long been known to have detrimental effects on health, with numerous studies linking its consumption to various health risks. However, a recent study published in the journal PLOS Medicine has shed light on a new potential risk associated with alcohol consumption – pancreatic cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified alcohol as a carcinogen, highlighting a particular increased risk of pancreatic cancer. This adds to the surgeon general’s previous advisory, which named cancers of the breast (in women), colorectum, esophagus, voice box, liver, mouth, and throat as being linked to alcohol consumption.

The study, which followed 2.5 million participants with a median age of 57 for about 16 years, found that each increase of 10 grams of ethanol per day in alcohol consumption was associated with a 3% increase in the risk of pancreatic cancer. Women who consumed one to two standard drinks per day had a 12% increase in pancreatic cancer risk, while men who consumed two to six standard drinks per day had a 15% increased risk. Intake of over six standard drinks per day was associated with a 36% greater risk.

Dr. Pietro Ferrari, the senior study author, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating that the link between alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer has been underestimated until now. This study serves as a reminder that there is no safe level of drinking when it comes to cancer risk.

Dr. Adam Scioli, an addiction psychiatrist, reiterated that alcohol is a toxin and a modifiable risk factor for cancer. Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Fox News, confirmed that alcohol directly inflames and damages pancreatic cells, further supporting the study’s findings.

Dr. Neha Pathak, WebMD’s chief physician editor of health and lifestyle medicine, emphasized the complexity of the links between alcohol consumption and cancer development. She stressed the importance of delving deeper into the role of alcohol and different drinking habits in understanding cancer risks.

Overall, the study serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of alcohol consumption and its potential impact on health. With around 75,000 Americans each year being diagnosed with a cancer linked to alcohol use, it is crucial to be aware of the risks associated with alcohol consumption and to make informed choices about drinking habits.