A new long-term health study has found that heavy alcohol consumption over many years may significantly increase the risk of colorectal cancer, particularly rectal cancer, raising fresh concerns about lifestyle-related cancer risks globally.
The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer, suggest that the total amount of alcohol consumed throughout adulthood — not just current drinking habits — plays a critical role in determining cancer risk later in life.
Researchers said the results also provide encouraging evidence that quitting alcohol may help reduce long-term cancer risk, although more data is still needed to confirm this fully.
Main Findings From the Research
The study tracked more than 88,000 adults over a 20-year period. Participants were initially cancer-free and were part of a large cancer screening programme.
During the study period:
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1,679 participants developed colorectal cancer
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Heavy drinkers (14 or more drinks weekly over their lifetime) had:
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25% higher risk of colorectal cancer
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Nearly double (95% higher) risk of rectal cancer
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People who drank heavily across many years had:
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91% higher colorectal cancer risk compared to light drinkers
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The research also found that former drinkers did not show increased cancer risk and even had fewer precancerous growths known as adenomas compared to some current light drinkers.
Why Lifetime Alcohol Intake Matters
Previous research already linked alcohol to colorectal cancer. However, this study shows that cumulative lifetime exposure may be just as important as current drinking behaviour.
Scientists believe alcohol may increase cancer risk through several biological pathways, including:
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Production of harmful chemicals when alcohol breaks down in the body
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Disruption of gut bacteria balance
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Chronic inflammation in digestive tissues
However, researchers stressed that more studies are needed to confirm exactly how these biological processes trigger cancer development.
Signs and Risks of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum and is one of the most common cancers globally. Early symptoms can include:
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Blood in stool
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Changes in bowel habits
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Persistent stomach pain
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Unexplained weight loss
Doctors emphasise that early screening significantly improves survival rates.
Why This Matters
For Nigerians and other populations experiencing rising alcohol consumption trends, the findings highlight the long-term health consequences of sustained heavy drinking.
The study is particularly important because:
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Lifestyle diseases, including cancers, are increasing across Africa
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Many colorectal cancers are detected late due to limited screening awareness
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Alcohol consumption is socially common in many urban centres
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Prevention strategies can significantly reduce healthcare burdens
Public health experts say awareness campaigns on alcohol moderation and regular cancer screening could help reduce future disease burden.
What Happens Next
Researchers say future studies will focus on understanding how quickly cancer risk declines after quitting alcohol and whether specific drinking patterns pose greater danger.
Medical experts continue to recommend:
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Moderating alcohol intake
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Maintaining healthy diets rich in fibre
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Regular exercise
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Routine medical checkups and screening, especially after age 40–50
Lead researcher Dr. Erikka Loftfield noted that although data on former drinkers was limited, early signals suggest cancer risk may drop closer to levels seen in light drinkers after quitting alcohol.
Global and Public Health Context
Health authorities worldwide are increasingly treating alcohol as a major modifiable cancer risk factor — similar to smoking and obesity.
As global cancer rates continue rising, lifestyle-related prevention is becoming a key strategy in reducing long-term disease burden.
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