Even if you only drink one or two glasses of alcohol a day, this habit clearly increases the risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer.
- Gastrointestinal cancer: this term encompasses all cancers of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colon and anus.
- Diagnosis usually requires endoscopy (a method of viewing the inside of organs), with confirmation by biopsy of suspect tissue.
According to a new study published in JAMAdrinking a little bit of alcohol every day is more likely to cause gastrointestinal cancer than occasional and excessive drinking (also called “binge drinking”).
Temporal and quantitative impact
Although alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for gastrointestinal cancer, few studies have so far assessed its temporal and quantitative impact more precisely. “Which is the most important factor in the development of gastrointestinal cancer: the frequency of alcohol consumption* or the large quantity of alcohol ingested occasionally*?”, the researchers therefore asked themselves in the preamble.
To answer their questions, the scientists studied the health data and alcohol consumption of 11,737,467 Koreans. Conclusion: the increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer was clearly associated with alcoholic beverages. And compared to similar levels of weekly alcohol consumption, the risk of gastrointestinal cancer increased with regular ingestion of such beverages, but decreased with occasional larger amounts.
Binge drinking is dangerous for your health
Our study indicates that “People should be generally careful about their alcohol consumption, including whether it is a moderate and regular habit”, conclude the authors.
Finally, remember that many studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption, even if it remains occasional, is dangerous for your health. Public Health France therefore recommends never drinking more than two glasses a day, and not every day.
*One to two glasses a day.
*More than three drinks on one occasion.
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