Erikka Loftfield

Ph.D., M.P.H.

(240)762-3319

Investigator

PLCO (Learn more about this study)

PLCO-1489

Feb 27, 2024

Alcohol intake and the risk of colorectal adenomas and colorectal cancer in the PLCO (NCI Version)

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and is a major cause of cancer morbidity worldwide (Siegel et al, 2016). Genetics play a strong role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, but lifestyle factors such as obesity and dietary choices have also been observed to influence risk (Levi et al, 2017; Vieira et al, 2017). However, studies of the effect of alcohol intake on colorectal tumorigenesis have shown conflicting results, with some reporting a strong positive association and others showing a protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption on risk (Bagnardi et al, 2001; Crockett et al, 2011). Additionally, the association between alcohol intake in early adulthood and the risk of colorectal adenoma (precursor condition to colorectal cancer) and colorectal cancer has not been adequately explored.

Using data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, we intend to evaluate the association between alcohol intake and the risk of incident colorectal adenoma, recurrent adenoma and colorectal cancer, controlling for confounding variables. Because lifestyle habits are modifiable, in-depth exploration of alcohol-related carcinogenesis is of significant public health importance as interventions can potentially be designed for population-risk reduction.

-Investigate the risk of incident colorectal adenoma, recurrent adenoma and colorectal cancer (both total colorectal cancer and anatomic subsites: distal, proximal and rectal) with regard to lifetime alcohol intake.

-Compare the association between alcohol intake in early adulthood and the risk of incident and recurrent colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer to that in later adulthood to assess which time period may be most important in risk.