A new study published Monday (January 26) in the journal Cancer finds that heavy, long-term alcohol use can significantly raise the risk of colorectal cancer. According to researchers, people who consistently drank heavily throughout their lives had up to a 91% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to those who drank very little or not at all. The risk was particularly high for those regularly consuming more than 14 drinks per week, and even greater for rectal cancer, where the risk nearly doubled.
The study tracked over 88,000 adults with no prior history of cancer, starting from early adulthood and following them for nearly a decade. Participants reported their drinking habits, allowing researchers to compare cancer rates among different alcohol consumption groups. The findings show that consistent, heavy drinking increases the damage and impairs repair of the colon and rectum—both major factors in cancer development. Dr. Lynn M O’Connor, section chief of colon and rectal surgery at Mercy Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital in New York, told ABC News, “The longer someone drinks, the longer their colon and rectum are exposed damage and impaired repair, both major mechanisms of cancer.”
The results come as the rate of colorectal cancers climbs, especially among younger adults. Dr. Fola May, a gastrointestinal specialist and associate director of the UCLA Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Equity, told ABC News, “We’re seeing an uptick in rectal cancers. If alcohol affects the lower part of the colon differently—we need to understand why.”
The study also found that people who stopped drinking significantly reduced their odds of developing nonadvanced adenomas, which are polyps that can turn into cancer.
These findings are supported by additional research from South Korea, which showed heavy drinkers had a 20% higher risk of early-onset colorectal cancer than light drinkers, and moderate drinkers had a 9% higher risk. The risk increased with the amount and frequency of alcohol consumed, and was especially strong for rectal and distal colon cancers, according to Gastroenterology Advisor.
Experts emphasize the importance of regular screening, which can prevent or catch colorectal cancer early. The United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends screening for all adults starting at age 45, using tools such as annual stool tests, CT scans every five years, or colonoscopies every 10 years. Those with a history of heavy drinking may need to start screening earlier or do it more frequently. Dr. Jeffrey Farma, a colorectal cancer specialist at Fox Chase Center, said, “If you’ve had prolonged heavy drinking and you develop symptoms like bleeding or persistent changes in bowel habits, you need to be evaluated—even in your 30s.”
Researchers note that reducing or stopping alcohol use is a modifiable risk, and the body can benefit when those risks are lowered. As KSYL reports, experts recommend better education, public health campaigns, and tailored screening approaches for those with heavy drinking histories.
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