A new analysis from a World Health Organization (WHO) center in Lyon reveals a connection between alcohol intake and pancreatic cancer risk. The study, published in a scientific journal, indicates a modest yet significant association, irrespective of gender or smoking habits.

The research highlights that for every 10 grams per day increase in alcohol consumption, there is an associated 3% increase in the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. This finding underscores the importance of understanding the potential risks associated wiht alcohol consumption.

Underestimated Link

The study suggests that the link between alcohol and pancreatic cancer may have been previously underestimated. Our results provide new evidence that pancreatic cancer could be another type of cancer associated with alcohol consumption, a link that has been underestimated so far, said Dr. Pietro Ferrari, head of the Nutrition and Metabolism of the CIR and the main study of the study.

Study Details and Findings

• Data Source: The analysis compiled data from 30 population-based cohorts across four continents: Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.
• Participants: Nearly 2.5 million participants without cancer at the start of the study.
• recruitment Period: Participants were recruited between 1980 and 2013.
• Median Age: 57 years at the start of the study.
• Follow-Up: A median follow-up period of 16 years.
• Pancreatic Cancer Cases: Over 10,000 incident cases of pancreatic cancer were recorded during the follow-up.

Gender-Specific Risks

• Women: Compared to low alcohol consumption (0.1 to 5 g/day), a consumption of 15 to 30 g/day was associated with a 12% increase in pancreatic cancer risk.
• Men: Compared to low alcohol consumption (0.1 to 5 g/day),consumption of 30 to 60 g/day was associated with a 15% increase in risk,and consumption of more than 60 g/day was associated with a 36% increase.

Previous studies have indicated that alcohol consumption above 30 grams of ethanol per day, equivalent to approximately two standard alcoholic drinks, might potentially be harmful in the development of pancreatic cancer.

Independent Risk Factor

Our analysis has shown that the association between alcohol and the risk of pancreatic cancer was observed even in non-smokers, which indicates that alcohol consumption is in itself an independent risk factor for pancreatic cancer, Dr. ferrari stated.

Pancreatic Cancer Statistics

• Pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer worldwide.
• It accounted for 5% of all cancer-related deaths globally in 2022.
• Incidence and mortality rates are 4 to 5 times higher in Europe, North America, Australia, and East Asia compared to other regions.
• Key risk factors include smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, and diabetes mellitus.

Further Research Needed

Other research is necessary to better understand the role of alcohol consumption throughout life, such as at the beginning of adulthood, and the influence of specific consumption methods, such as excessive alcohol consumption, said Dr. Ferrari.