The link between alcohol and pancreatic cancer was so far deemed uncertain, but a new international study has just confirmed. According to this study, even moderate alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of developing this dreaded cancer. Here are the key figures to remember.
The pancreatic cancer is one of the most feared due to its often late diagnosis and its rapid evolution. Not so long ago, the evidence linking its occurrence to the consumption of alcohol remained limited. However, a study published on May 20 in the journal PLOS Medicineled by the International Center for Cancer Research (Circ), change the situation. By analyzing data of more than 2.5 million people on four continents, the researchers highlighted a clear association between alcohol consumption and the increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Alcohol, a risk factor in pancreatic cancer
One glass per day is enough to increase the risk
THE Circ researchers have highlighted a clear association between the alcohol consumption And the risk of pancreatic cancer, even at moderate levels. Each increase of 10 g of pure alcohol per day, the equivalent of a standard glass, is associated with an increase of 3 % of the risk of developing this cancer. This link is observed independently of smoking sex, age or status, which makes it a Autonomous risk factor. In other words, even non-smoking people, in general, are not spared. These results question the idea that moderate alcohol consumption is safe.
Risk thresholds clearly identified according to sex
The study also reveals differentiated risk thresholds between the sexes. In women, daily consumption of 15 to 30 g of alcohol, about one to two glasses, increases the Pancreas cancer risk 12 % compared to very low consumption (0.1 to 5 g/day). In men, the risk increases by 15 % for a consumption of 30 to 60 g/day, and reaches 36 % beyond 60 g/day. These data provided by Doctissimo confirm a Dose-dependent relationshipwhich means that the higher the consumption, the more the risk increases.
A link underestimated so far
Until this study, the link between alcohol And pancreatic cancer was deemed not very conclusive, unlike other cancers (liver, breast, esophagus, colon, etc.). This new analysis, led by Dr. Pietro Ferrari du Circ, provides solid evidence that the pancreas is also vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. According to Provencethe risk is present even at levels of consumption less than two glasses per day, which questions the concept of “moderate consumption” without danger.
Pancreatic cancer: a formidable disease and still poorly understood
Cancer often diagnosed too late
Pancreatic cancer is today one of deadliest cancerslargely because of its late diagnosis. Although it only appears at 12ᵉ row of the most frequent cancers, it is responsible for around 5 % of cancer deaths worldwide. This lethality is explained by often discreet or non -specific symptoms in the early stages. The disease is generally detected at an advanced stage, when the tumor is inoperable. The 5 -year survival rate remains less than 10 %, and only 20 % of patients are diagnosed at a still operable stage.
Multiple risk factors
In addition to alcohol, several risk factors are well established. THE smoking is the main one, involved in 20 to 30 % of cases. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic pancreatitis and certain family history also increases the risk. Of the Genetic mutationslike those of the BRCA1/2 or PRS1 genes, can also be involved in hereditary forms. The Circ study underlines that alcohol acts as an independent risk factor, even in the absence of these other elements.
A clear message for prevention
This study strengthens a Public health message Already well established: There is no risk -free consumption threshold. Even one glass per day can have long -term consequences. Reducing or even eliminating, its alcohol consumption is therefore a concrete lever to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer and other associated cancers.
