A systematic review on the risk of developing cancer and frequency of alcohol consumption behaviors in US adults.

BACKGROUND

The frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption, even at moderate levels, influence both cancer incidence and outcomes. This systematic review examines the relationship between varying levels of alcohol consumption and the risk of developing cancer in U.S. adults. It also explores the comorbid conditions that may increase long-term cancer risk among alcohol users and identifies the social and demographic factors that place certain population groups at heightened risk.

METHODS

The review followed the Arksey & O'Malley Framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) recommendations for the extraction, analysis, and presentation of results in systematic reviews. [This framework consists of five steps: (1) identify research questions; (2) search for relevant studies; (3) select studies relevant to the research questions; (4) chart the data; and (5) collate, summarize, and report results.

RESULTS

A total of 62 studies were retained for analysis following title, abstract, and full text screening. Race/ethnicity (n = 46/62) and age (n = 42/62) were the most frequently mentioned individual risk factors. Across the 62 studies reviewed, alcohol consumption was consistently identified as a risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast (n = 23/62), colorectal (n = 13/62), and liver (n = 10/62), among others. Other alcohol-associated comorbidities reported include obesity (n = 8/62), alcoholic liver disease (n = 5/62), and diabetes (n = 4/62).

CONCLUSION

Alcohol intake, particularly at higher frequency or greater quantity, was consistently associated with elevated risk for multiple cancers, most notably colorectal, breast, and liver. Dose-response relationships were a common finding, underscoring that risk is not limited to heavy or chronic use.