A major international study has found that regular alcohol consumption may raise the risk of pancreatic cancer, adding to the growing list of health concerns linked to drinking.
While occasional alcohol use is common in social settings, experts now warn that no amount of alcohol is considered completely safe. The U.S. Surgeon General and other health authorities point to recent research that links alcohol not just to liver damage and mental health issues, but also to several cancers, including breast, colon, and liver cancer.
Study Overview
The study, published in PLOS Medicine, analyzed data from 30 studies involving nearly 2.5 million people. Participants, mostly in their late 50s, were tracked for an average of 16 years. Over 10,000 developed pancreatic cancer during that time.
Researchers found that higher alcohol intake was associated with a greater risk of pancreatic cancer. For every 10 grams of alcohol consumed daily, risk increased by 3%.
Key Findings
- Women who drank 15–30 grams of alcohol daily had a 12% higher risk than light drinkers.
- Men drinking 30–60 grams daily had a 15% higher risk, while those consuming more than 60 grams had a 36% increase.
- Beer and liquor were linked to increased risk; wine was not.
- No strong link was found among Asian participants.
The study adjusted for factors like smoking, weight, and diabetes but was limited by self-reported data and a focus on recent drinking habits only.
Health Implications
Pancreatic cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the U.S. and among the deadliest, often diagnosed late when treatment is less effective. Experts stress that reducing alcohol intake—even moderate drinking—can lower health risks.
The National Institutes of Health advises that less alcohol is better for health. Binge drinking, in particular, poses serious risks and is defined as consuming five or more drinks for men or four or more for women in one sitting.
Bottom Line
Regular alcohol use—especially beer and liquor—may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Drinking less can reduce this and other health risks. If you need help cutting back, talk to your doctor or contact the SAMHSA helpline.
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