[Alcohol consumption and risk of cancer]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2021 Apr 5;183(14):V12200929.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Alcohol is carcinogenic to humans. There is convincing evidence that alcohol intake increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus (squamous cell carcinoma), liver and colorectum, and breast cancer among postmenopausal women. Research indicates that no safe lower limit of intake exists. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol, and in most studies all types of alcohol, like wine, beer and spirits increase the risk. A substantial number of cancer cases could be prevented by a reduction in alcohol intake.

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Beer
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms* / etiology
  • Neoplasms* / prevention & control
  • Risk Factors
  • Wine*