Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Gastric Cancer: The Japan Collaborative Cohort Study

Background: Alcohol consumption is a potential risk factor for gastric cancer. However, findings from cohort studies that examined the relationship between alcohol consumption and gastric cancer risk among Japanese population are not conclusive. Methods: A total of 54,682 Japanese men and women participating in the Japan Collaborative Cohort study completed a questionnaire, including alcohol consumption information. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: After a median 13.4-year follow-up, we documented 801 men and 466 women incident cases of gastric cancer. Alcohol consumption was associated with increased risk of gastric cancer among men (HRs in ex-drinkers and current alcohol consumption of <23 g, 23-<46 g. 46-<69 g, and >= 69 g/d categories versus never drinkers were 1.82; 95% CI. 1.38-2.42. 1.41; 95% CI, 1.10-1.80, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.17-1.85, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.48-2.38, and 1.85; 95% CI, 1.35-2.53, respectively, and that for 10g increment of alcohol consumption after excluding ex-drinkers was 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.10). The association in men was observed for cardia and non-cardia gastric cancer (HRs in the highest alcohol consumption category versus never drinkers were 9.96; 95% CI, 2.22-44.67 for cardia cancer and 2.40: 95% CI, 1.64-3.52 for non-cardia cancer). However, no such trend was observed in women. Conclusions: Alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of gastric cancer among Japanese men, regardless of anatomical subsite of the cancer.

Automated summary

The study found that alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer among Japanese men, regardless of the anatomical subsite of the cancer. However, no such trend was observed in women.