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Alcohol and head and neck cancer
Daisuke Kawakita1,2, Keitaro Matsuo3,4
1Division of Molecular and Clinical Epidemiology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, 1-1 Kanokoden, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8681, Japan.
Cancer Metastasis Reviews
|August 18, 2017
Summary
Alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for head and neck cancer (HNC). Quitting alcohol for 20 years may reduce HNC risk to levels similar to never drinkers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is a well-established risk factor for head and neck cancer (HNC).
- The specific relationship between alcohol intake patterns and HNC risk across different subsites requires further clarification.
- Understanding the influence of genetic factors and cessation on HNC risk is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the association between alcohol drinking and head and neck cancer (HNC).
- To explore the impact of alcohol consumption patterns, cessation, and genetic polymorphisms on HNC risk.
- To examine the relationship between alcohol intake and survival outcomes in HNC patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating alcohol consumption and head and neck cancer.
- Analysis of associations based on cancer subsite (oropharynx, hypopharynx, oral cavity, larynx).
- Consideration of alcohol consumption frequency, duration, beverage type, and genetic polymorphisms.
Main Results:
- Alcohol drinking is a confirmed risk factor for HNC, with potentially stronger associations for oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.
- Higher alcohol consumption over shorter periods appears more detrimental than lower consumption over longer periods.
- HNC risk approaches that of never drinkers after 20 years of alcohol cessation.
- Genetic polymorphisms influencing alcohol metabolism interact with alcohol consumption to affect HNC risk.
- The association between alcohol drinking and HNC survival remains inconclusive, with competing mortality as a confounding factor.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol consumption is a significant modifiable risk factor for head and neck cancer.
- Alcohol cessation can substantially reduce HNC risk over time.
- Genetic factors play a role in alcohol-related HNC development, necessitating population-specific considerations.
- Further research is needed to clarify alcohol's impact on HNC survival, accounting for competing causes of mortality.
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