Moderate red wine consumption might increase survival rate of colon cancer

The current study evaluated the association between the consumption of alcoholic beverages and colon cancer recurrence. The results indicate a lower overall mortality associated with red wine consumption.

High consumption of alcoholic beverages is associated with a modest increased risk of colon cancer, but its relationship with colon cancer survival has not been elucidated. Scientists from the USA and Canada assessed the association between alcohol consumption and colon cancer outcomes. No statistically significant difference in the disease outcomes between ever and never drinkers were observed. However, moderate red wine drinkers had significantly better disease outcomes than never consumers. A significant risk reduction was seen in patients who consumed 1-30 glasses of red wine per month with regards to overall survival, disease-free survival and time-to-recurrence as disease outcomes in stage III colon cancer patients. Even in patients who consumed > 30 glasses of red wine per month, favorable outcomes were noted. Other alcoholic beverages were not associated with outcomes.

Phipps AI, Shi Q, Limburg PJ, et al. Alcohol consumption and colon cancer prognosis among participants in North Central Cancer Treatment Group phase III trial N0147. Int J Cancer. 2016 Apr 8. doi: 10.1002/ijc.30135. [Epub ahead of print]

For more information about this article, read the scientific abstract here