The major study was undertaken as part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) by Cancer Research UK has found that regular drinkers face a more than 10% increased risk of developing bowel cancer, and the more people drink the higher the risk.
Published in the International Journal of Cancer the epidemiological study investigated the drinking habits of more than half a million people in ten countries over a six year period, during which time 1833 people developed colon cancer.
Professor Tim Key, Cancer Research UK epidemiologist and deputy director of the cancer epidemiology unit in Oxford, said: "The research shows quite clearly that the more alcohol you drink the greater your risk of bowel cancer".
Also, professor Key added: "The increase in risk is not large but it is important that people understand they can reduce their risk of a number of different cancers - including bowel cancer - by cutting down on alcohol".
For more information:
Cancer Research UK
