A major study led by the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has found that alcohol consumption, particularly beer and spirits, increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
The study, which analysed health data from nearly 2.5 million individuals across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia, reported a ‘modest but significant’ association between alcohol use and this deadly disease.
Pancreatic cancer is among the most lethal forms of cancer due to its typically late diagnosis and rapid progression.
The pancreas, an essential organ, produces digestive enzymes and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.
Despite accounting for only 12th place in global cancer prevalence, pancreatic cancer causes around 5 per cent of all cancer-related deaths.
Pietro Ferrari, Head of the Nutrition and Metabolism Branch at IARC and senior author of the study, noted that earlier evidence had been inconclusive.
He said, “Alcohol consumption is a known carcinogen, but until now, evidence linking it specifically to pancreatic cancer has been inconclusive.”
The study found that each additional 10 grammes of alcohol consumed daily increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by 3 per cent.
Among women who drank 15 to 30 grammes daily, roughly equivalent to one to two drinks, the risk rose by 12 per cent.
In men, those who consumed 30 to 60 grammes daily faced a 15 per cent higher risk, and those exceeding 60 grammes daily saw their risk jump by 36 per cent.
Independent Risk Factor
One of the key findings of the study is that alcohol poses a risk independently of smoking.
“Alcohol is often consumed in combination with tobacco, which has led to questions about whether smoking might confound the relationship,” said Pietro Ferrari.
He further added, “However, our analysis showed that the association between alcohol and pancreatic cancer risk holds even for non-smokers.”
The study also highlighted stark regional differences.
In 2022, rates of incidence and mortality were up to five times higher in Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Eastern Asia than in other parts of the world.
While the research provides strong evidence, Pietro Ferrari emphasised the need for further studies to fully understand how lifetime alcohol exposure, including binge drinking and early-age initiation, impacts pancreatic cancer risk.
The WHO hopes these findings will encourage further investigation and policy action to reduce alcohol-related cancer risks.
The study marks a significant step forward in cancer research and provides a crucial insight for public health recommendations regarding alcohol consumption.
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