A new peer-reviewed study published Monday in Cancer finds that long-term heavy alcohol consumption is associated with a dramatically higher risk of colorectal cancer — particularly rectal cancer.
Researchers followed more than 88,000 adults with no prior cancer history and found that people who drank heavily across adulthood had up to a 91% higher risk of colorectal cancer compared with lifelong light drinkers.
Importantly, the study also suggests that quitting alcohol may reduce risk.
The George Washington University has experts available who can weigh in on this study. If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, katelyn [dot] deckelbaum
gwu [dot] edu (katelyn[dot]deckelbaum[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Marie Borum is board-certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology and geriatric medicine. She is the director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, and a professor at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Matthew Ng is an associate professor of surgery at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences and is board certified in General Surgery and Colon and Rectal Surgery.
-GW-