Studies Reveal Link Between Binge Drinking and Lung Cancer
There are many serious risks associated with heavy drinking. Injury, risky sexual behaviors and loss of general inhibitions can create situations in which individuals regret their decision to indulge in alcohol. However, research is increasingly showing that there are many long-term risks associated with binge drinking as well.
A group of researchers recently presented study findings at CHEST 2011, an annual conference coordinated by the American College of Chest Physicians, which support a link between heavy drinking and an increased risk of lung cancer. The research presented was a compilation of data from three separate studies.
The major findings of the research show that heavy alcohol consumption can be linked to an increased risk of developing lung cancer, and that some ethnic groups, including Asian women and African-American men were at a slightly higher risk of a lung cancer diagnosis. Both men and women experienced a lower risk of developing lung cancer with a higher body mass index (BMI) and the consumption of fruit.
Stanton Siu, MD, FCCP, of Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, California, explained that there was not a similar relationship seen in those who drink moderately. The results seem to indicate that older individuals who drink moderately exhibit coronary artery protection.
Dr. Siu and colleagues recruited 126,293 participants who were given baseline assessments between 1978 and 1985. They were followed until 2008 to measure their risk for lung cancer development in association with smoking, gender, alcohol consumption, BMI, ethnicity and education levels. There were 1,852 participants who developed lung cancer.
While smoking was a strong predictor for development of lung cancer, there was also evidence that alcohol consumption in excess of three drinks per day was associated with a higher risk of lung cancer. The association was stronger with beer drinking than with consumption of wine and liquor.
The team also found new associations in helping reduce the risk of lung cancer. There was a lower risk for those with a higher BMI, and a reduced risk was also found for those who had a college degree. Dr. Siu says that while there is not a clear explanation for each association, it is possible that those who have an increased level of education have a healthy lifestyle.
In a separate study presented at CHEST, Czech Republic researchers showed evidence that black tea was found to have a protective effect on women who are not smokers, and both men and women benefited from the consumption of fruit.
