Alcohol‘s Impact on Colorectal Cancer Risk: New Study Reveals Even Small Amounts May be Harmful
A complete study led by Professor Heo Jin-Hee of Sungkyunkwan University, in collaboration with Harvard University, has revealed a link between alcohol consumption – notably soju, a popular spirit in South korea – and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The research analyzed drinking patterns, alcohol types, latency periods, and the effects of abstinence on the development of the disease.
Published on December 17, 2024, in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the study tracked 137,710 participants from the American Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study over a 30-year period, monitoring their alcohol consumption and subsequent colorectal cancer diagnoses.
Researchers identified 3,599 cases of colorectal cancer among the participants.The analysis specifically examined consumption of both general alcohol and soju, a distilled alcoholic beverage commonly consumed in south Korea.
The findings indicate that even minimal alcohol intake can elevate the risk of colorectal cancer, especially in men. Individuals consuming as little as one glass (5-14.9 grams) or two glasses (15-29.9 grams) of alcohol daily exhibited a considerably higher risk.
“It is well known that excessive alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for colorectal cancer. But this study is important in scientifically proving that the consumption of alcohol in the slightest amount may not be safe,” Professor Heo Jin-Hee stated, as reported by Biz chosun.
The study also determined a latency period of approximately 8-12 years between alcohol consumption and the onset of colorectal cancer. Notably, individuals who ceased drinking alcohol did not experience a substantial reduction in their risk even after a decade of abstinence.
“We clearly emphasize that the risk of alcohol consumption to long-term health is very significant,” Professor Heo added.
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