Long-term, heavy drinking linked with rise in rectal cancer
The death of 48-year-old actor James Vanderbeek should be a wake-up call to all of us. Vanderbeek died after a long bout of colorectal cancer. Early detection and treatment are key. This condition is preventable through a healthy diet and lifestyle.
New research finds that heavy alcohol consumption over several years is connected with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, particularly rectal cancer. The study tracked US adults for 2years and found that individuals who consumed too much alcohol during their adulthood had much higher risks for colorectal cancer compared to light drinkers.
An increased cancer risk wasn’t observed in previous drinkers, and they had fewer precancerous tumors. The researchers believe alcohol cessation could lower the long-term risk of cancer.
Previous studies have shown that alcohol intake is associated with a higher chance of colorectal cancer development. New research now indicates that the total amount of alcohol consumption over a person's lifetime is also a major factor.
Higher lifetime consumption is linked to greater cancer risk, with rectal cancer showing the strongest connection. In addition, the research suggests that alcohol cessation may help cut this risk. The findings were published by Wiley in CANCER, an online, peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.
Data from US adults who participated in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial were analyzed. Subjects didn’t have cancer when the study started. After 20 years, 1,679 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in the 88,092 subjects.
Researchers analyzed health data from US adults who participated in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial and were cancer-free when the study began. During 20 years of follow-up, colorectal cancer was diagnosed in 1,679 of the 88,092 participants.
Heavy Alcohol Intake Over a Lifetime Raises Cancer Risk
Consuming an average of 14 or more drinks per week was classified as heavy drinking. Heavy consumers had a 25% higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to those who drank 1 or fewer drinks per week. Their risk of rectal cancer was even higher, almost doubling with a 95% increase.
In examining drinking habits during adulthood, the researchers found that individuals who drank heavily for several years had a 91% higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to those who drank smaller amounts. However, an increased risk in previous drinkers was not observed.
Additionally, they had lower odds of developing adenomas (noncancerous colorectal tumors, which could go on to become cancerous), compared to current drinkers with an average drink intake of <1 drink per week. While data from previous drinkers were limited, these results suggest a possible benefit of alcohol cessation.
Possible Physiologic Reasons
The association between alcohol intake and higher cancer risk may be due to harmful substances created when alcohol is metabolized in the body or by alcohol's influence on gut microbes. More research is necessary to determine if these biological processes directly correlate with cancer development.
Senior author Erikka Loftfield, PhD, MPH, of the NCI, part of the National Institutes of Health, states, "Our study is one of the first to explore how drinking alcohol over the life course relates to both colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer risk. While the data on former drinkers were sparse, we were encouraged to see that their risk may return to that of the light drinkers.”
Below are 10 ways to reduce alcohol intake:
· Track your drinking habits: Keep a tally of your habits. How much, when, and with whom are you drinking?
· Set a Clear Limit: Decide in advance how many drinks you’ll have (i.e., 1–2 max) and stick to it. Having a rule removes the “in the moment” decision.
· Have Alcohol-Free Days: Pick specific days each week where you don’t drink at all (i.e. Sun–Thu). Consistency builds habit strength.
· Alternate with Water: Drink a glass of water (or sparkling water) between alcoholic drinks. This slows you down and reduces total intake.
· Choose Smaller Servings: Opt for a small glass of wine instead of a large, or a single instead of a double.
· Don’t Drink on an Empty Stomach: Eat before and while drinking. You’ll naturally drink less and feel fuller sooner.
· Switch to Lower-Alcohol Options: Try light beer, wine spritzers, or alcohol-free alternatives. Many 0% options taste surprisingly good!
· Remove Triggers at Home: Don’t keep large amounts of alcohol at home. If it’s not easily available, you’re less likely to drink casually.
· Replace the Habit: If you usually drink to relax, swap it with: Herbal tea, a short walk, a shower, journaling, reading, or a podcast
· Delay the First Drink: Tell yourself you’ll wait 30–60 minutes before your first drink. Often the urge passes or you drink less overall.
· Get help. Alcoholics Anonymous is available worldwide. If you suspect your drinking has become a problem, contact: Virtual, Online, and Telephone AA & NA Meetings - Affect
Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD
Reference:
Caitlin P. O’Connell, Sonja I. Berndt, Kenechukwu Chudy‐Onwugaje, Andrew Kunzmann, Wen‐Yi Huang, Kathryn Hughes Barry, Erikka Loftfield. Association of alcohol intake over the lifetime with colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer risk in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. Cancer, 2026; 132 (3) DOI: 10.1002/cncr.70201