Beer, spirits raise colon cancer risk

Beer and spirits drinkers face a higher risk of colorectal tumours, but wine drinkers may have a lower risk, according to a report in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

"Alcohol is pernicious with regard to colorectal tumours," said Dr Joseph Anderson from New York's Stony Brook University. "Lifestyle plays a role, as genetics does, in the development of these tumours."

Dr Anderson and associates investigated the impact of regular alcohol consumption on colorectal tumours in 2291 patients undergoing screening colonoscopy.

Patients defined as heavy beer or spirits drinkers had more than twice the risk of developing significant colorectal tumours, compared with abstainers or moderate consumers, the authors report. Moderate wine drinkers, on the other hand, faced about half the risk experienced by abstainers.

Colorectal tumours were also associated with age older than 60 years, smoking and obesity, the report indicates.

The investigators note that "patients who regularly drink spirits have an increased risk for significant colorectal [tumours] and perhaps should be targeted for risk modification by their gastroenterologist in addition to their primary care physician."

In fact, Anderson noted, "I would target anyone who has more than one beer or drink per day". He added that he and his colleagues are currently comparing the effects of red and white wine.

Red wine, "due to high levels of [the natural antioxidant] resveratrol", he added, should be even more protective against colorectal tumours than white wine.

- REUTERS