Associations of Alcohol Use and Smoking With Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Rising incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) necessitates understanding contributing risk factors.
• Lifestyle choices like alcohol consumption and smoking are potential modifiable risk factors for EOCRC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze existing observational studies on the association between smoking and alcohol consumption with EOCRC.
• To quantify the risk of EOCRC associated with alcohol use and smoking.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science for observational studies.
• Meta-analysis using random-effects models to pool data on alcohol consumption and smoking.
• Subgroup and dose-response analyses were conducted.

Main Results:

• Alcohol consumption was identified as a significant risk factor for EOCRC (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.14-1.69).
• A dose-response relationship was observed, with increased ethanol intake correlating with higher EOCRC risk (OR per 10 g/d increase 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.08).
• Smoking (ever or current) was also a significant risk factor for EOCRC (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.20-1.59).

Conclusions:

• Both alcohol consumption and smoking are confirmed as significant risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer.
• Findings underscore the importance of addressing alcohol and smoking in EOCRC prevention efforts.