Alcohol and Pancreatic Cancer: The Scientific Connection, Risks, and Prevention

You’ve noticed the warning labels on the liquor bottles you buy. Scary words like ‘can cause cancer’ make you wince. It’s easier to look away than to read the full message from the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory.

You’re aware there are many types of cancers, and that some organs may be more prone to developing cancer. If cancer is a risk associated with drinking, does that mean your pancreas may be affected? Can pancreatic cancer be caused by alcoholism?

In this article, we’ll help connect the dots and explain the scientific connection between alcohol and pancreatic cancer and how you can minimize your risk.

Table of Contents

• Can Alcohol Cause Pancreatic Cancer?
• 4 Reasons Alcohol May Increase Your Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
• Important Considerations To Help Minimize Your Risk of Pancreatic Cancer Caused by Alcohol
• Can Pancreatic Cancer Be Caused By Alcoholism? FAQs Answered
• Seek Comprehensive Alcohol Rehab at Dove Recovery in Colu+mbus, Ohio

Yes, research indicates there may be a link between heavy alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer. Some data from meta-analysis research suggests that heavy drinkers, defined as those who consume more than 3 drinks a day, have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Heavy alcohol consumption may increase pancreatic cancer risk by bolstering the effects of other risk factors, such as:

• Tobacco smoking
• Poor nutrition
• Inflammatory pathways

How can pancreatic cancer be caused by alcoholism?

Heavy alcohol use can damage the pancreatic tissue, causing the pancreas to digest itself, promoting high levels of inflammation and damage to the pancreas. Persistent inflammation can lead to cellular damage and genetic mutations that increase the likelihood of developing cancerous tumors.

If you or someone you love suffers from alcohol addiction, and you’re concerned it may lead to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, it is vital to seek professional help and support.

At Dove Recovery, we work closely with each patient to create a customized plan that offers medical stabilization and emotional support to overcome alcohol-related problems and pave the way towards a healthier lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more.

What Percentage of Alcoholics Get Pancreatic Cancer?

While there’s an increased risk, there’s no guaranteed outcome that an individual with alcohol use disorder (AUD) will get pancreatic cancer. However, some research does suggest there may be a 40% excess risk for those suffering from AUD compared to the general public.

Common Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Some common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Change in bowel habits
• Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, eyes, or teeth

Some symptoms — like upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, or loss of appetite — can be associated with both alcohol use and pancreatic cancer, making it all the more crucial in understanding the potential connection between the two.

Many symptoms of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer can overlap, and it’s critical to seek professional medical help if you have concerns.

#1: Leads to Pancreatitis

Heavy alcohol use can be a significant risk factor for developing chronic pancreatitis, further increasing the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Evidence from one study found that chronic alcohol consumption is the single most common cause of chronic pancreatitis, resulting in 40 to 70% of all cases.

Additional research indicates that chronic pancreatitis patients present an increased incidence of pancreatic cancer, especially when combined with cigarette smoking.

#2: Alters Pancreatic Function

Heavy alcohol consumption can significantly disrupt pancreatic function by damaging pancreatic cells, impairing enzyme function, and contributing to severe inflammation.

Here are some ways that alcohol may affect the function of the pancreas:

• Damages pancreatic acinar cells
• Impairs enzyme function, leading to a build-up of enzymes
• Activates pancreatic stellate cells
• Produces excess scar tissue known as fibrosis
• Generates more viscous secretions, leading to blockages in the small pancreatic ducts

#3: Damages DNA

Ethanol in alcohol can damage DNA molecules. When your body breaks down ethanol, it produces a carcinogen called acetaldehyde that damages DNA and can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. 

Research refers to alcohol as a human carcinogen, linking the consumption to an increased cancer risk and cancer recurrence, estimating that 5.5% of new cancer diagnoses and 5.8% of cancer deaths worldwide are attributable to alcohol consumption.

#4: Causes Hormonal Imbalances

Alcohol can disrupt the delicate balance of the endocrine system, causing stress responses, inflammation, and brain-body communication issues that derange hormone levels.

For example, alcohol consumption can increase levels of endogenous estrogens, linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

One review estimated that alcohol caused 144,000 breast cancer cases and 38,000 breast cancer deaths globally in 2012. This research found all levels of evidence showing a risk relationship between alcohol consumption and the risk of breast cancer, even at low levels of consumption.

When contemplating whether pancreatic cancer can be caused by alcohol, there are some important factors to consider to help minimize risk, including:

• Drinking alcohol in moderation: The American Cancer Society recommends limiting alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. For individuals with chronic pancreatitis, completely abstaining from alcohol is recommended.
• Knowing your risk factors: Your risk for pancreatic cancer may increase with age, if you smoke tobacco, if you have a family history of pancreatic cancer, or if you have diabetes.
• Seeking medical or professional help: If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, you may benefit from rehab and addiction treatment.

At Dove Recovery's Ohio addiction treatment center, we believe that your journey to recovery is unique. Our evidence-based approach to alcohol addiction treatment promotes long-lasting recovery through personalized care and a solid support system. Contact us for more information on our fully customizable alcohol addiction recovery program.

What Level of Alcohol Intake Is Considered Risky for Causing Pancreatic Cancer?

Chronic alcohol consumption is considered alcohol misuse, or a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption. It’s considered a medical condition where alcohol causes distress and harm.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), heavy drinking is defined as:

• Consuming 5 or more drinks on any day or 15 or more drinks per week for men
• Consuming 4 or more drinks on any day or 8 or more drinks per week for women

Binge drinking is a pattern of drinking alcohol that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher. For a typical adult, this pattern corresponds to consuming 5 or more drinks for a male, or 4 or more drinks for a female, in about two hours.

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol through binge drinking or heavy, prolonged amounts of time can be a common cause of chronic pancreatitis, which increases pancreatic cancer risk.

Does Everyone Who Drinks Heavily Get Pancreatic Cancer?

No, not everyone who drinks heavily will develop pancreatic cancer. However, your risk of getting pancreatic cancer may increase with the amount of alcohol you consume.

Smoking significantly increases the risk of pancreatic cancer, and the risk is even higher when combined with heavy alcohol consumption. One study found that current smokers have a 66% higher risk of pancreatic cancer and former smokers have a 40% higher risk of pancreatic cancer in comparison with individuals who have never smoked.

Other contributing risk factors that can increase the chances of developing pancreatic cancer include:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Certain inherited genetic conditions

Can I Reverse My Risk of Pancreatic Cancer If I Stop Drinking?

Yes, reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can lower the inflammation of the pancreas. Quitting alcohol may be a crucial step in recovery to reduce the risk of chronic pancreatitis, improve pancreatic and liver health, and decrease the chances of developing pancreatic cancer.

It’s never too late to take control and minimize your risk of pancreatic cancer caused by alcoholism. When you stop drinking alcohol, your mind and body can begin to heal. Although it’s not an easy process, you’re not alone.

Dove Recovery offers multiple treatment programs led by experienced counselors who understand the complexities of substance abuse. We can provide the support you need and teach new coping skills to help you on your journey to recovery.

Contact us for the help you need, and take the first step towards risk prevention and a happy, healthier you.