Alcohol Consumption Linked to Early-Onset Colon Cancer | Prof Luigi Fontana

Findings from a observational study suggest that alcohol consumption increases the risk of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly distal colon and rectal cancers.

Compared with light drinking, moderate and heavy drinking were associated with a significantly elevated risk of early-onset CRC (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.09 and 1.20, respectively); by sex, significant associations were found only among men.

Among nondrinkers, there was a 14% reduced risk of rectal cancer compared with light drinkers.

Among men, heavy drinking vs light drinking was associated with a 26% increased risk of distal colon cancer, a 17% higher risk of rectal cancer, and a 29% higher risk of unspecified colon cancer (but not proximal colon cancer).

Among women, moderate drinking was associated with a 47% increased risk of distal colon cancer.