Drinking Alcohol Increases Risk of Pancreatic Cancer, WHO Warns
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. It grows in the pancreas, a small organ behind the stomach. The pancreas helps with digestion and controls blood sugar. But when cancer forms there, it often grows fast and spreads before it is found.
This cancer is hard to treat because people often don’t notice symptoms early. Many cases are found only when the disease is already advanced. This is why doctors and scientists are very worried about the rising number of cases.
How Common Is It?
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), cases of pancreatic cancer have increased a lot in recent years.
- The number of new cases has quadrupled between 1990 and 2023.
- Experts say it could become the second leading cause of cancer deaths by 2030.
This trend shows the urgent need to understand and prevent this deadly disease.
Is Alcohol Linked to Pancreatic Cancer?
Yes, new research shows a strong connection. In a major study published in PLOS Medicine, scientists looked at data from over 30 studies. These studies were done in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia.
The researchers found that alcohol increases the risk of pancreatic cancer, even in small amounts.
| Alcohol Intake | Increased Cancer Risk |
| 10 grams per day (less than 1 drink) | 3% increase |
| 15–30 grams per day (1–2 drinks) | 12% increase (in women) |
| 30–60 grams per day (2–4 drinks) | 15% increase (in men) |
| 60+ grams per day | 36% increase (in men) |
These numbers show that even moderate drinking can be harmful.
Why Is Alcohol So Dangerous?
Doctors say alcohol is dangerous because it is a Group 1 carcinogen. This means there is strong proof that it causes cancer in humans. It is in the same group as tobacco smoke and asbestos.
Dr. Pranoti Mandrekar, a cancer expert, explained how alcohol harms the body:
- It breaks down into acetaldehyde, a chemical that damages DNA.
- It creates free radicals in the body, which hurt cells and cause inflammation.
- It changes hormone levels, such as increasing estrogen, which can raise cancer risk.
- It works with other cancer-causing agents, like tobacco, making them even more harmful.
This damage builds over time, especially with frequent or heavy drinking.
Other Cancers Linked to Alcohol
Pancreatic cancer is not the only concern. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, alcohol also raises the risk of these cancers:
- Breast (in women)
- Liver
- Mouth and throat
- Esophagus
- Voice box
- Colon and rectum
Experts say around 75,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with alcohol-related cancers each year.
Is Any Amount of Alcohol Safe?
Experts now say there may be no completely safe amount of alcohol when it comes to cancer risk.
| Drinks per Year | Risk Increase |
| 6 or fewer drinks | 0.3% increase |
| 1 drink per week | 3% increase |
| Daily small glass (10 units/week) | 15% increase |
| Daily large glass (20 units/week) | 27% increase |
About the author
Julie Anne Krakenes
Julie Anne Krakenes is a passionate traveler and a connoisseur of world cuisines. She brings a global perspective to her writing and shares her adventures and culinary discoveries with readers. Julie Anne’s love for exploration and diverse cultures shines through in her engaging and informative articles.
