title: Recent evidence on alcohol and cancer epidemiology.
abstract: This review presents an overview of the impact of alcohol consumption on cancer risk. Results from the 2009 International Agency for Research on Cancer monograph as well as the most recent meta-analyses and epidemiological studies are considered. Alcohol consumption is one of the most important known risk factors for human cancer and potentially one of the most avoidable factors, but it is increasing worldwide. Ethanol in alcoholic beverages is carcinogenic to humans and causes several cancers (oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, colorectum, liver and female breast). Cumulative lifetime consumption, frequency and drinking pattern appear to play a role in risk characterization. While the role of heavy drinking has been long recognized, new evidence suggests that light consumption (up to one drink/day) is also associated with adverse effects. In addition, some genetic polymorphisms interact with alcohol metabolism and may modify its impact.
authors: International Agency for Research on Cancer, Nutrition & Metabolism Section, 150 Cours Albert Thomas, Lyon Cedex 08, France.
authors: Chiara
authors: C
authors: Scoccianti
authors: Kurt
authors: K
authors: Straif
authors: Isabelle
authors: I
authors: Romieu
mesh_terms: D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*