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The link between alcohol and colorectal cancer is clearer than previously thought. A new study reveals that heavy alcohol consumption throughout life significantly increases the risk of developing this type of cancer, especially rectal cancer
By Imanol RH
Published on: January 27, 2026 at 09:42
Alcohol and colorectal cancer: a proven risk
An international study confirms that high alcohol consumption increases the risk of colorectal and rectal cancer, while quitting drinking could reduce it.
A long-term study has confirmed that alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, and that drinking patterns throughout life play a significant role in the development of the disease.
A group of researchers closely monitored more than 88,000 cancer-free adults in the United States. The experiment lasted two decades, and 1,679 cases of colorectal cancer were identified during the study period.
Differences between moderate and high consumption
Studies have shown that there is a relationship between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of colorectal cancer .
A new study now reveals that higher alcohol consumption throughout life is also associated with a higher risk, especially of rectal cancer, and that quitting drinking can reduce the risk .
The results of the research, led by a group from the US National Institutes of Health, have been published in the journal CANCER , of the American Cancer Society.
The research group analyzed data from American adults enrolled in the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) prostate, lung, colorectal and ovarian cancer screening trial who did not have cancer at the start of the study.
Thus, they observed that 1,679 cases of colorectal cancer occurred among 88,092 participants during 20 years of follow-up.
Drinkers with a lifetime average alcohol consumption of 14 or more drinks per week who continued to drink had a 25% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer .
And a 95% higher risk of developing rectal cancer, compared to those with an average lifetime alcohol consumption of less than one drink per week.
When consistency was also considered, excessive consumption during adulthood was associated with a 91% higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to consistent light consumption.
However, no evidence of an increased risk of colorectal cancer was observed among former drinkers, and they were less likely to develop non-cancerous colorectal tumors , or adenomas (which can become cancerous), than current drinkers with an average of less than one drink per week.
According to the authors, the results suggest that quitting alcohol may reduce the risk of developing these diseases, although they acknowledge that the data were limited.
Alcohol and colorectal cancer: possible biological mechanisms involved
The association between alcohol consumption and the increased risks observed in this and other studies could be explained by carcinogens produced by the metabolism of alcohol or the effects of alcohol on gut microbes.
The authors emphasize that further studies are needed to verify whether these mechanisms are involved.
“Our study is one of the first to explore how lifetime alcohol consumption is related to the risk of colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer.
“Although data on former drinkers was scarce, we were encouraged to see that their risk may again be that of moderate drinkers,” said co-lead author Erikka Loftfield of the NCI, part of the National Institutes of Health.
The results showed that people who consumed 14 or more alcoholic drinks per week throughout their lives faced substantially higher risks of developing this disease, especially rectal cancer, compared to those who drank very little.
Former drinkers showed no increased risk, suggesting that quitting alcohol may reduce the likelihood of colorectal cancer and precancerous tumors, although more research is needed.
Original:https://www.ecoticias.com/vida-saludable/alcohol-y-cancer-colorrectal-riesgo
