Alcohol consumption, even in moderate amounts, may significantly raise the risk of pancreatic cancer, a new study by the World Health Organization (WHO) has found. The risk is greater, particularly for those drinking beer and spirits.
Conducted by WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the study analysed data from more than 2.5 million people across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. The researchers found a clear link between alcohol intake and pancreatic cancer, regardless of smoking, which is a known risk factor for the disease.
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As per the findings, every additional 10 grams of alcohol per day – the amount in a small glass of wine or half a pint of beer – was associated with a 3% increase in pancreatic cancer risk.
For women who drank 15–30 grams of alcohol daily (about 1–2 drinks), the cancer risk was 12 per cent. Men who consumed 30–60 grams daily (roughly 2–4 drinks) faced a 15% higher risk. Those drinking more than 60 grams per day saw their risk spike by 36%.
“Alcohol has long been classified as a carcinogen, but its specific link to pancreatic cancer was less conclusive—until now,” said researchers. “This study confirms alcohol is an independent risk factor, even among non-smokers.”
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Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, often detected late and difficult to treat. Even with modern medical advances, survival outcomes remain bleak.
The study, published in PLOS Medicine, also highlighted the need for further research into how lifetime drinking habits, early adulthood exposure, and binge drinking patterns may affect pancreatic cancer risk.
