People under 50 have been diagnosed with breast and colorectal cancers at higher rates in recent decades, and alcohol consumption could be a contributing factor. This is according to a scientific report published in the U.S. this week and widely cited by The New York Times.
The report, released by the American Association for Cancer Research, highlights scientific breakthroughs that have led to new cancer treatments and improved survival rates—cancer mortality dropped by a third between 1991 and 2021.
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Increased drinking alters the balance of fungi in the gut, potentially promoting the growth and spread of cancer
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However, alongside this progress, researchers describe a troubling pattern: an unexplained rise in the overall incidence of several cancer types, with a particularly concerning increase among relatively younger people. These individuals are experiencing more gastrointestinal cancers, like colorectal cancer.
The report estimates that 40% of all cancer cases are linked to modifiable risk factors. Researchers recommend reducing alcohol consumption, along with other lifestyle changes such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, exercising regularly, avoiding sun exposure, and minimizing contact with pollutants. They also suggest adding specific cancer warning labels to alcoholic beverages.
For years, moderate alcohol consumption was thought to protect against heart disease. However, just last month, a major study tracking over 135,000 adults in the UK found that moderate drinkers did not see a reduction in heart disease compared to occasional drinkers who consumed little alcohol. On the contrary, those who drank more alcohol had higher rates of cancer-related deaths.
"Fifty-one percent of people don't know that alcohol increases cancer risk, and that's alarming," said Dr. Jane Figueiredo, a public health researcher at the Samuel Oschin Cancer Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Figueiredo served on the steering committee that produced the report. "We can talk about the myth of red wine's potential heart benefits, but there are many other ways to keep your heart healthy," she added.
Alcohol's role in cancer development
Alcohol affects the gut microbiome, the population of bacteria and fungi living in the intestines. Increased drinking alters the balance of fungi in the gut, potentially promoting the growth and spread of cancer cells. Alcohol has also been linked to an elevated risk of breast cancer due to its potential to raise levels of the hormone estrogen, which can accelerate the growth of cancer. In addition to breast and colorectal cancers, alcohol has been associated with liver cancer, stomach cancer, certain head and neck cancers, and esophageal cancer. According to the report, alcohol was connected to 5.4% of cancer cases in 2019. The report also found a link between alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the likelihood of a child developing leukemia after birth.
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Alcohol affects gut bacteria and fungi and may facilitate the spread of cancer cells
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Dr. Esther Tkhuber, a specialist oncologist and director of gastrointestinal tumors at Assuta Ramat Hachayal, explains: "We know that in recent years, there's been an increase in breast and colorectal cancers among people under 50. It's unclear what the causes are, but this study suggests alcohol consumption may be one of the factors."
Dr. Tkhuber continues, "In general, 40% of cancer cases are linked to lifestyle risk factors such as alcohol, smoking, poor diet, and sun exposure. This study focuses on alcohol and suggests that awareness campaigns should be launched, and cancer-specific warning labels added to alcoholic beverages."
Dr. Esther TkhuberShould you avoid alcohol altogether?
Dr. Tkhuber says, "The researchers argue that even small amounts of alcohol can increase cancer risk, so they recommend reducing consumption. In my opinion, we should agree with this conclusion: there's no need to completely avoid alcohol, but it's wise to reduce both the amount consumed and the frequency."