Alcohol: an underestimated cause of cancer

Such as smoking and chronic infections, alcohol consumption is a major cause of the occurrence of cancer, warn two researchers from the International Center for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Lyon

"A significant proportion of cancers are due to alcohol consumption is increasing in many regions, particularly in East Asia and Eastern Europe," according to Dr. Paolo Boffetta.

This specialist published in the journal "Lancet Oncology", a synthesis of published research on the link between alcohol and cancer, which he conducted with Mia Hashibe.

Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon and breast cancer and could be linked to cancer of the pancreas and lung, they specify. The risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.

However, even moderate drinking slightly increases the risk of cancer, this habit could remain beneficial due to its protective effect against cardiovascular disease, the authors note.

The two scientists indicate that alcohol-related diseases are particularly problematic in central and eastern Europe.