Study: Hard Liquor May Increase Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Having nine or more drinks each week that contain distilled spirits, like vodka or whiskey, for more than 10 years greatly increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer or premalignant polyps, according to Stony Brook University researchers.

But wine, on the other hand, appears to provide some protection against colorectal cancer, the researchers reported.

In a study of nearly 2,000 patients who all had a screening colonoscopy, cancer or suspicious polyps were found in the left colon of 6.1 percent of the nondrinkers and of 17.4 percent of those who drank at least 9 glasses of distilled spirits each week for more than 10 years.

After adjusting for age, sex, family history, smoking, diet, weight, exercise, and educational level, the risk from heavy alcohol consumption remained.

"When screening for colorectal neoplasia, risk assessment is based on age and family history but not on facts such as behavior or lifestyle," said Dr. Gurvinder Sethi. "Based on our data, we suggest that patients with significant spirits intake may benefit from more intensive colorectal cancer screening."

Other sources: Stony Brook University