Moderate wine consumption and cancer risk

There is no doubt that an excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages increases the cancer risk and should be avoided. But what about moderate wine consumption? A collaborative research team from Spain and South America examined exactly this question.

The main risk factors affecting the cancer risk are smoking, high body mass index (overweight and obesity) and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, however,non-modifiable risk factors such as genetics and age shouldn’t  be overlooked either. Cancer is a complex disease with multiple contributors, making the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer a sensitive and contentious topic l, specifically in relation to wine consumption. Some previous meta-analyses revealed no association between wine consumption and cancer but an increased risk of cancer with the consumption of other alcoholic beverages.

Given the inconsistent data on the relationship between moderate wine consumption and cancer development, and the increasing interest in the health effects of wine, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the existing evidence on various cancers[1] and analyze the effect of wine consumption independently from other alcoholic beverages. This was the first systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic.

The researchers found 73 epidemiological studies which fit their study question and were included in the systematic review: Is there – independently from other alcoholic beverages – a relationship between moderate wine consumption and the risk to develop cancer?

The studies came from 19 different countries and included 4.3 million adults from the general population. 26 studies could be summarized in a meta analysis.

The study results revealed no association between wine consumption and the risk of developing any type of cancer. This finding was true for the general cancer risk as well as the risk for single cancer types such as gynecological cancer (breast and uterus) and colorectal cancer, which are among the most prevalent globally.

The authors concluded that more research is needed to evaluate the effects of wine consumption independently of other alcoholic beverages, and guidelines for responsible wine consumption should be included in health recommendations.

Data need to be interpreted with caution

It should be noted that observational studies like those included in this review and meta analysis can only show statistical correlations. A causal relationship cannot be interpreted from the current data, for such a causal association interventional studies would be necessary.

[1] General cancer, upper digestive tract, colorectal, renal, pancreatic, skin, lung, brain, and gynecological cancer

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