Heavy Drinking Over a Lifetime Linked to Higher Colorectal Cancer Risk

Long-term alcohol consumption substantially increases the risk of colorectal cancer, with rectal cancer showing the strongest rise, according to new research published in CANCER, a journal of the American Cancer Society. While alcohol has long been associated with colorectal cancer, this study highlights that the total amount consumed over a lifetime is especially important.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 88,000 cancer-free U.S. adults enrolled in the National Cancer Institute’s PLCO Cancer Screening Trial and followed them for up to 20 years. During that period, 1,679 participants developed colorectal cancer. Individuals who averaged 14 or more drinks per week across their lifetime had a 25% higher risk of colorectal cancer compared with very light drinkers. Their risk of rectal cancer was nearly twice as high.

Notably, people who stopped drinking did not show an increased cancer risk and had fewer precancerous colorectal growths than current drinkers. These findings suggest that quitting alcohol may help lower colorectal cancer risk over time.

31-01-2026