The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine (2006, vol 166, no 6), investigated the age at presentation and locations of colorectal cancer in relation to alcohol and tobacco use. Researchers at Northwestern University analyzed the data of 161,172 colorectal cancer patients from the IMPAC Medical Registry Services Cancer Information Resource File, between June 1, 1993, and December 31, 2003. The database classified the participants as current (within the past year) or past (years earlier) smokers or drinkers.
The researchers found that male participants were almost two years younger than female participants when diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Participants who currently smoked or drank were diagnosed 5.2 years earlier than those who never smoked or drank. In addition, participants who currently smoked plus drank were diagnosed 7.8 years earlier. Findings also revealed that distal colorectal cancers (located on the lower left part of the colon and rectum) were more common in men, current smokers, and current drinkers.
Due to these results, the study authors suggest that men, current smokers and current drinkers should be routinely checked for colorectal cancer at an earlier age. "Alcohol use, tobacco use, and male gender were associated with earlier onset and a distal location of colorectal cancer," the study authors conclude. "If confirmed, these factors should guide recommendations regarding initiation of colorectal cancer screening and, possibly, choice of techniques."
Posted by Kristopher Foster on May 11, 2006 07:49 PM
