Sungkyunkwan University

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.