Wine Information Council
9 february 2011
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Alcohol drinking and colorectal cancer risk: an overall and dose-response meta-analysis of published studies

BACKGROUND: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that alcohol consumption is related to colorectal cancer (CRC). However, several issues remain unresolved, including quantification of the association for light (/=4 drinks/day) alcohol drinking. The RR for moderate drinkers, compared with non-/occasional drinkers, was stronger for men (RR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.13-1.37) than for women (RR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.13; P(heterogeneity) = 0.02). For heavy drinkers, the association was stronger in Asian studies (RR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.33-2.46; P(heterogeneity) = 0.04). The dose-risk analysis estimated RRs of 1.07 (95% CI 1.04-1.10), 1.38 (95% CI 1.28-1.50), and 1.82 (95% CI 1.41-2.35) for 10, 50, and 100 g/day of alcohol, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis provides strong evidence for an association between alcohol drinking of >1 drink/day and colorectal cancer risk.

Additional Info

  • Authors

    Fedirko V.; Tramacere I.; Bagnardi V.; Rota M.; Scotti L.; Islami F.; Negri E.; Straif K.; Romieu I.; La Vecchia C.; Boffetta P.; Jenab M.

  • Issue

    Ann.Oncol. / pages 1958-1972 / volume 22

  • Published Date

    9 february 2011

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