Association between Alcohol Consumption and Colorectal Cancer Risk

The 2009 review of human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determined that there is sufficient evidence in humans to confirm the carcinogenicity of alcohol consumption. From the ample evidence provided, the positive association between alcohol intake and colorectal cancer risk is convincing. Although the site-specific mechanism by which alcohol intake influences colorectal carcinogenesis remains unknown, one notable mechanism is via an effect on the folate pathway. Genetic polymorphisms, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), also are suggested to influence the effect of alcohol on colorectal carcinogenesis. Although the mechanism of this carcinogenesis requires further clarification, the avoidance of excess alcohol consumption will substantially contribute to reducing the risk and burden of colorectal cancer attributable to alcohol consumption.