Beer and Spirits Boost Colorectal Tumor Risk

By Will Boggs, MD

NEW YORK SEC 20, 2005 (Reuters Health) - Beer and spirits drinkers face a higher risk of colorectal tumors, but wine drinkers may face a lower risk, according to a report in the September issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

"Alcohol is pernicious with regard to colorectal neoplasia," Dr. Joseph C. Anderson from Stony Brook University, New York told Reuters Health. "Lifestyle plays a role as genetics does in the development of colorectal neoplasia."

Dr. Anderson and associates investigated the impact of regular alcohol consumption on colorectal neoplasia in 2,291 patients undergoing screening colonoscopy.

Patients defined as heavy beer or spirits drinkers faced more than twice the risk of developing significant colorectal neoplasia, compared with abstainers or moderate consumers, the authors report. Moderate wine drinkers, on the other hand, faced about half the risk of colorectal neoplasia experienced by abstainers.

The results did not change when the analysis was restricted to the development of advanced adenoma, the researchers note. Significant colorectal neoplasia was also associated with age greater than 60 years, smoking, and higher body-mass index, the report indicates.

The investigators note that  "patients who regularly drink spirits have an increased risk for significant colorectal neoplasia and perhaps should be targeted for risk modification by their gastroenterologist in addition to their primary care physician." 

In fact, Dr. Anderson noted, "I would target anyone who has more than one beer or drink per day."  He added that he and his colleagues are currently comparing the effects of red and white wine.

 "Red wine drinkers, due to the high levels of resveratrol," he added, "should have lower rates of colorectal neoplasia than white wine drinkers."

SOURCE:

• Am J Gastroenterol 2005;100:2049-2055.