Researchers from Italy have reported an inverse relationship between alcohol consumption and the incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The details of this study appeared in an advanced publication in the Annals of Oncology on January 10, 2008.¹

Increased alcohol consumption has been associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer, head and neck cancer, and colorectal cancer. However, red wine consumption has been associated with a decreased incidence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and colorectal cancer. Thus, in total it would appear that, with the exception of wine, most alcohol consumption is detrimental.

The current study is the only study to report a decreased incidence of a cancer with total alcohol consumption. These researchers found that drinking four drinks or less per day was associated with a 13% lower incidence of RCC. As well, drinking 4-8 drinks per day was associated with a 24% lower incidence of RCC, and drinking of more than eight drinks per day was associated with a 30% lower incidence of RCC compared with non-drinkers. Alcohol spirits, beer, and wine were all equally effective in lowering the risk of RCC. Duration of drinking or age of onset of drinking had no apparent effect on these results.

Comments: These are interesting results that may provide a clue for exploring protective mechanisms. However, these data do not suggest that there would be an overall survival benefit from alcohol consumption.

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Smoking, Alcohol Use, Independently Increase Risk of Head and Neck Cancer (05/22/2007)

Moderate Alcohol Consumption Increases Risk of Breast Cancer (03/20/2007)

Beer and Alcohol Spirits Increase Risk of Colorectal Neoplasia (09/19/2005)

Alcohol and Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Double The Risk of Breast Cancer (11/22/2002)

Researchers Suggest that 4% of Breast Cancers are Related to Alcohol Consumption (11/19/2002)

Wine Drinking Lowers Risk of Gastric Cancer (06/06/2005)

Wine Drinking Associated with a Decreased Incidence of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) in Men (08/29/2002)

Red Wine May Help Reduce Colorectal Cancer (11/08/2006)

Wine Drinking Lowers Risk of Gastric Cancer (06/06/2005)

Red Wine Consumption May Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer (09/23/2004)

Wine Consumption Associated with Lower Risk of Ovarian Cancer in Australian Women (04/23/2004)

Component of Red Wine Has Potential Anti-cancer Properties (05/20/2002)

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