Cancer

Does consistent, heavy drinking raise colorectal cancer risk?

January 27, 2026

An analysis of 88,092 PLCO trial participants found that current drinkers averaging ≥14 drinks/week over their lifetime had a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC; hazard ratio [HR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.53), especially rectal cancer (HR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.17-3.28) than those consuming ≤1 drink/week. Consistent heavy (vs. light) drinking across adulthood was also associated with increased risk (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.17-3.12). Moderate intake (7 to <14 drinks/week) wasn’t associated with increased risk. Among 12,327 participants undergoing adenoma screening, former drinkers had 42% lower odds of nonadvanced adenomas than current light drinkers, suggesting potential benefit from cessation.

Clinical takeaway: Counsel patients that sustained heavy alcohol use substantially raises colorectal—particularly rectal—cancer risk, and that reducing or stopping alcohol may lower adenoma risk.

Source:

O'Connell CP, et al. (2026, February 1). Cancer. Association of alcohol intake over the lifetime with colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer risk in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582658/