August 12, 2024 from The New York Times
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open on August 12, 2024, found that even light alcohol consumption is linked to an increase in cancer deaths among older adults. The research tracked 135,103 adults aged 60 and older over 12 years and revealed that the cancer risk was heightened, particularly among individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those living in low-income areas.
Contrary to the long-held belief that light or moderate drinking might benefit heart health, the study found no such evidence. According to Dr. Rosario Ortolá, the study’s lead author, “We did not find evidence of a beneficial association between low drinking and mortality.” In fact, she added, “alcohol probably raises the risk of cancer from the first drop.”
Key Findings
The study defined light drinking as up to 20 grams of alcohol per day for men and up to 10 grams daily for women, which equates to less than two drinks for men and one drink for women based on U.S. standards. The researchers discovered several important trends:
- Light drinking was associated with an increased cancer risk, particularly for individuals with existing health problems or from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.
- There was no reduction in heart disease deaths for light or moderate drinkers compared to occasional drinkers, regardless of their health or income levels.
- Moderate drinking (20-40 grams per day for men and 10-20 grams for women) was linked to a higher risk of death from all causes, including cancer.
- Heavy drinking (over 40 grams per day for men and over 20 grams for women) showed increased risks of death from both cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Shifting Perspectives on Alcohol
This study is part of a growing body of research that challenges previous assumptions about the health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption. Previous studies, which often compared drinkers to abstainers, may have been flawed due to the inclusion of individuals who stopped drinking because of pre-existing health issues. This may have made light drinkers appear healthier by comparison.
The new findings come at a time when both U.S. and international health authorities are reconsidering their guidance on alcohol consumption. Current U.S. dietary guidelines already recommend that adults limit their alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two for men. However, researchers and health organizations are increasingly recognizing the potential risks of even light drinking, particularly in relation to cancer.
International Recommendations
International bodies are also shifting their recommendations. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction now states that no level of alcohol is considered safe, warning that even low levels can be harmful. Similarly, the World Health Organization has emphasized that most alcohol-related harms stem from heavy or episodic drinking but warns that any consumption carries risks.
The findings from this study underscore the importance of re-evaluating the risks of alcohol consumption, particularly for older adults. While some studies in the past suggested heart health benefits from light drinking, this research found no such protective effects. Instead, it adds to mounting evidence linking alcohol consumption, even at low levels, with increased cancer risk, particularly in vulnerable populations.
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