Abstract
BackgroundIn the Bagnardi et al. (2001) meta-analysis, it was found that alcohol consumption increases the risk of stomach cancer (OR = 1.32 for heavy drinkers). However, it is unknown if drinking cessation reverses this alcohol-elevated risk.MethodsA systematic literature review was performed to provide the information for a meta-analysis where the dose-risk trend was estimated for years since drinking cessation and the risk of stomach cancer. A random effect generalised least squares model for trend estimation was used, employing study characteristics to control for heterogeneity.ResultsNineteen observational studies were identified in the literature review, of which five studies quantified duration of cessation and risk of stomach cancer, giving a total of 1947 cancer cases. No significant effect of drinking cessation on the risk of stomach cancer could be found (OR = 0.99 CI: 0.97-1.02).ConclusionsThis result should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of studies in this area. Recent findings suggest a link between heavy drinking and stomach cancer, especially gastric noncardia, but not for moderate drinking. Since all but one of the included studies in this meta-analysis failed to control for consumption level, the current study could not test if the risk decline following drinking cessation differs between moderate and high consumers.
Highlights
In the Bagnardi et al (2001) meta-analysis, it was found that alcohol consumption increases the risk of stomach cancer (OR = 1.32 for heavy drinkers)
Studies were excluded for the following reasons: (1) the study was not published in English; (2) the study did not examine the risk of stomach cancer; or (3) the study did not investigate the risk of stomach cancer among former drinkers
The detailed results of the literature review are available as an Additional file 1, while this section focuses on the meta-analysis of identified studies
Summary
In the Bagnardi et al (2001) meta-analysis, it was found that alcohol consumption increases the risk of stomach cancer (OR = 1.32 for heavy drinkers) It is unknown if drinking cessation reverses this alcoholelevated risk. If stomach cancer, in any way, is caused by alcohol consumption, it is important for alcohol policy to have information on how fast, if at all, the increased risk from drinking falls after drinking cessation. This has implications for harm-reducing interventions as well as cost-effectiveness calculations [15]. Information on the actual beneficial effect from quitting drinking alcohol could be helpful in motivational treatments for alcohol misuse
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
