Health and Me

Ishita Roy

14 Drinks Or More A Week Could Increase You Risk Of Colon Cancer By 25%

If you drink 14 <span>drinks</span> per week, the American Cancer Society's peer-reviewed journal Cancer, noted that you have a 25% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. This also means that you have a 95% higher risk of developing rectal cancer as compared to those who drink an average of one drink per week. 

Moderate <span>alcohol</span> intake is measured as seven or less drinks per week, which is associated with a lower risk. However, experts have time and again stressed that there is no safe limit of drinking. 

"While the data on former drinkers were sparse, we were encouraged to see that their risk may return to that of the light drinkers,” co–senior author Erikka Loftfield of the National Institutes of Health's National Cancer Institute said in a news release.

The findings come from an analysis of U.S. adults who took part in the National Cancer Institute’s Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. Researchers tracked 88,092 participants over a 20 year period and identified 1,679 cases of colorectal cancer during that time.

The data showed a clear pattern. Higher lifetime alcohol consumption was linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer, with the strongest association seen for rectal cancer. However, the study also offered encouraging news. People who stopped drinking saw their risk decline, highlighting that lifestyle changes can still make a difference later in life.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/drinking-alcohol-could-damage-your-dna-not-just-your-liver-or-heart-article-153515735" data-type="tilCustomLink">Drinking Alcohol Could Damage Your DNA, Not Just Your Liver Or Heart</a>

<h2>Colorectal Cancer Is Rising in Younger Adults</h2>

These findings come at a time of growing concern about colorectal cancer rates, especially among younger people. Earlier this month, the American Cancer Society reported that colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among people under 50 in the United States.

Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, senior author of the report and senior vice president of surveillance, prevention and health services research at the American Cancer Society, said the trend is alarming. He noted that the speed at which colorectal cancer rates have risen among younger adults means it can no longer be considered a disease that only affects older people.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/diljit-dosanjh-swears-by-this-green-juice-to-power-his-4am-to-9pm-routine-article-153512755" data-type="tilCustomLink">Diljit Dosanjh Swears By This Green Juice to Power His 4am to 9pm Routine</a>

<h2>Changing Guidance on Alcohol Consumption</h2>

Federal health guidance around alcohol has also shifted. Instead of specifying how many drinks are considered safe, the latest dietary guidelines advise Americans to drink less overall. People with certain health conditions are encouraged to avoid alcohol entirely.

Christopher Kahler, director of the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies at Brown University, has previously explained that no amount of drinking is completely risk-free. According to him, health risks increase with higher consumption, which is why current guidelines focus on reducing intake rather than defining a safe threshold.

Taken together, the research reinforces a simple message. Heavy drinking raises cancer risk, drinking less is better for health, and stopping alcohol use can help lower the chances of developing colorectal cancer. With rates rising in younger adults, experts say awareness and prevention efforts are more important than ever.

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If you drink 14 drinks per week, the American Cancer Society's peer-reviewed journal Cancer, noted that you have a 25% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. This also means that you have a 95% higher risk of developing rectal cancer as compared to those who drink an average of one drink per week. Moderate alcohol intake is measured as seven or less drinks per week, which is associated with a lower risk. However, experts have time and again stressed that there is no safe limit of drinking. "While the data on former drinkers were sparse, we were encouraged to see that their risk may return to that of the light drinkers,” co–senior author Erikka Loftfield of the National Institutes of Health's National Cancer Institute said in a news release.What the Study FoundThe findings come from an analysis of U.S. adults who took part in the National Cancer Institute’s Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. Researchers tracked 88,092 participants over a 20 year period and identified 1,679 cases of colorectal cancer during that time.The data showed a clear pattern. Higher lifetime alcohol consumption was linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer, with the strongest association seen for rectal cancer. However, the study also offered encouraging news. People who stopped drinking saw their risk decline, highlighting that lifestyle changes can still make a difference later in life.Read: Drinking Alcohol Could Damage Your DNA, Not Just Your Liver Or HeartColorectal Cancer Is Rising in Younger AdultsThese findings come at a time of growing concern about colorectal cancer rates, especially among younger people. Earlier this month, the American Cancer Society reported that colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among people under 50 in the United States.Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, senior author of the report and senior vice president of surveillance, prevention and health services research at the American Cancer Society, said the trend is alarming. He noted that the speed at which colorectal cancer rates have risen among younger adults means it can no longer be considered a disease that only affects older people.Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh Swears By This Green Juice to Power His 4am to 9pm RoutineChanging Guidance on Alcohol ConsumptionFederal health guidance around alcohol has also shifted. Instead of specifying how many drinks are considered safe, the latest dietary guidelines advise Americans to drink less overall. People with certain health conditions are encouraged to avoid alcohol entirely.Christopher Kahler, director of the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies at Brown University, has previously explained that no amount of drinking is completely risk-free. According to him, health risks increase with higher consumption, which is why current guidelines focus on reducing intake rather than defining a safe threshold.What This Means for IndividualsTaken together, the research reinforces a simple message. Heavy drinking raises cancer risk, drinking less is better for health, and stopping alcohol use can help lower the chances of developing colorectal cancer. With rates rising in younger adults, experts say awareness and prevention efforts are more important than ever.