Does Intake of Alcohol Increase the Risk of Presence and Growth of Colorectal Adenomas Followed-up in situ for Three Years?

Abstract

Background: Alcohol has been suggested as a promoter in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Our aim was to examine if alcohol intake was related to the presence and growth of colorectal adenomas &#104 9 mm followed up in situ for 3 years. Methods: We compared 87 adenoma cases to 35 'hospital' and 35 healthy controls (age- and sex-matched and proven to be polyp-free). These cases were participating in a 3-year intervention study against growth and recurrence of polyps. Alcohol data were obtained using a structured interview (I) and a 5-day dietary record by weighing (DR). Results: The median intakes of alcohol were 5 g/day (I) and 6 g/day (DR). Increasing differences were found between I and DR with increasing alcohol intake. Increasing total alcohol intake showed a tendency to an inverse association with adenoma occurrence (ORs <0.5), in contrast to the tendency of a positive association with adenoma growth (ORs >5.8). No significant beverage-specific effects were observed at this low alcohol intake level. Those with an intake of >20 g alcohol/day (18%) had several indicators of an 'unhealthy' lifestyle that may also be independently associated with adenomas, and even CRC. Conclusion: A very low intake of alcohol (<5 g/day) did not increase the risk of presence and of growth of adenomas followed-up in situ for 3 years, but we cannot exclude that an increased intake may increase the risk of adenoma growth.

• Adenomas
• Alcohol
• Beer
• Case-CONTROL Study
• Colorectal Cancer
• Diet
• Polyps
• Smoking
• Spirits
• Wine