NEW YORK, NY (PRWEB) DECEMBER 20, 2016
New research conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis analyzing a total of 27 studies meeting criteria for different alcohol exposures among men found a significant dose-response relationship between the amount of alcohol consumption and risk of prostate cancer among current drinkers.
“This study adds more substance and validity to the ongoing evidence that a man’s alcohol consumption increases his risk for prostate cancer,” said Dr. Samadi. “When counseling a man about reducing his risk, his level of alcohol consumed will need to be addressed and factored in.
Alcohol is a known carcinogen causing a variety of cancers – breast, liver, esophagus, larynx and oropharynx and colorectal. Alcoholic beverages are multicomponent mixtures containing several carcinogenic compounds such as ethanol, acetaldehyde, aflatoxins, and ethyl carbamate. Other studies have suggested a link between alcohol consumption and prostate cancer, but this current study has shown for the first time, that the higher the intake of alcohol, the greater the significance of an association between prostate cancer and the more a man drinks.
The purpose of this study was to attempt to measure the risk of prostate cancer according to different levels of alcohol consumed. Low consumption was considered to be 1.30 -<25 g/day, medium consumption was 25-<45 g/day, high consumptions was 45 -<65 g/day and higher consumption was 65+ g/day. The average drink in the U.S. has 14 grams of alcohol. Results showed that all of the levels, from low to higher consumption, each a significantly higher risk of prostate cancer when compared to men who abstained from alcohol. Even low-volume drinkers had a significantly higher relative risk of prostate cancer morbidity or mortality when compared to men who abstained from consuming alcohol.
“The results are concerning as prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide and is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in men worldwide,” stated Dr. Samadi. “There are other risk factors for prostate cancer such as age, family history, race or ethnicity but those are not controllable like drinking alcohol can be.”
Dr. Samadi went on to say, “The findings from this study prove the need for continued research on alcohol, health and prostate cancer. My goal is to educate men on what is in their best interest in reducing their risk of developing prostate cancer. This research may put a new spin on my advice on alcohol consumption along with other risk factors a man may have. What we do know for sure is research has shown when men who drink give up alcohol, they not only reverse their risk of prostate cancer, but many other health conditions too. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits makes a big difference in lowering their risk leading to a healthier life.”
Patients newly diagnosed with prostate cancer can contact world renowned prostate cancer surgeon and urologic oncologist Dr. David Samadi at 212-365-5000 for a free phone consultation. To learn more about prostate cancer, visit ProstateCancer911.com.
