Alcohol consumption raises chances of developing pancreatic cancer, according to a recent study.
The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has recently led a study that sheds light on the relationship between long-term alcohol consumption and the risk of several cancers, including pancreatic cancer.
The study involved nearly 2.5 million people who were cancer-free at the outset, and tracked participants from 1980 to 2013, with an average follow-up of about 16 years. The research spanned 30 population-based cohort studies across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.
The study found a dose-response effect between alcohol consumption and the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Each additional 10 g/day of alcohol was linked to a 3% increase in pancreatic cancer risk.
The increased risk of pancreatic cancer is modest, especially at lower levels of alcohol consumption. Women who drank 15-30 g/day faced a 12% higher risk compared to light drinkers (0.1-5 g/day). Men who drank 30-60 g/day faced a 15% increased risk, and those consuming over 60 g/day saw their risk jump to 36%.
The effect of alcohol consumption on pancreatic cancer risk appeared consistent across genders and regions, except Asia. It's important to note that occasional drinking is not necessarily a direct cause of pancreatic cancer, but for those drinking several drinks daily, it may be worth reconsidering habits.
The study also found that the link between alcohol and pancreatic cancer risk held true even among non-smokers. The analysis adjusted for smoking and other lifestyle factors, and looked at different types of alcohol (beer, spirits, wine) to see if any one type stood out.
Over 10,000 new pancreatic cancer cases were reported during the study. This study adds pancreatic cancer to the list of cancers that may be influenced by alcohol.
Alcohol consumption is a known carcinogen, and the study involved mostly participants in their late 50s. The research provides valuable insights into the long-term effects of alcohol on pancreatic cancer risk, offering a foundation for further investigation and potential interventions to reduce the burden of this deadly disease.
In light of the World Health Organization's IARC study, researchers have identified a correlation between long-term alcohol consumption and the development of pancreatic cancer. This association persists even in non-smokers, highlighting the potential influence of alcohol on health-and-wellness, particularly medical-conditions like cancer. Moreover, the study emphasizes nutrition as a crucial factor in cancer prevention, suggesting that moderating alcohol intake may contribute to maintaining one's health and lessening the risk of pancreatic cancer.
