Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, May 29: Drinking even small amounts of alcohol daily can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a major new study backed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The findings raise fresh concerns over the long-assumed safety of moderate drinking.

Published in the peer-reviewed medical journal PLOS Medicine, the study analysed data from over 2.5 million adults across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia, tracking more than 10,000 cases of pancreatic cancer. Researchers from the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found that just one standard drink per day was enough to raise the risk of developing this aggressive and deadly cancer.

The study concluded that for every 10 grams of alcohol consumed per day — roughly the amount in a small glass of wine or half a pint of beer — the risk of pancreatic cancer increased by 3%. The increased risk was consistent across both men and women and persisted even among non-smokers, indicating that alcohol is an independent cancer risk factor.

When broken down by type of alcohol, the data revealed that beer consumption was associated with a 2% increased risk for every 10 grams consumed per day, while spirits and hard liquor led to a 4% increase. Wine did not show a statistically significant link in this particular study, though researchers emphasized that this does not mean wine is risk-free.

The findings showed that women who consumed between 15 and 30 grams of alcohol per day — about one to two drinks — had a 12% higher risk of pancreatic cancer. For men, the risk rose by 15% at 30 to 60 grams of daily alcohol consumption, and by 36% for those consuming over 60 grams per day, or more than four drinks.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to detect and treat, with survival rates remaining alarmingly low. This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that no level of alcohol consumption is completely safe when it comes to cancer risk.

Speaking on the findings, WHO researchers urged the public to reconsider drinking habits and emphasized the need for greater public awareness. “There is growing evidence that even light or moderate alcohol consumption carries health risks,” said one of the study’s lead authors.

While many continue to believe that small quantities of alcohol — particularly wine — are harmless or even beneficial, the study challenges this perception. Experts suggest that individuals, especially those with other risk factors such as diabetes or a family history of cancer, consider limiting or avoiding alcohol altogether.

The researchers called for more studies to better understand the long-term effects of alcohol use and recommended that global health guidelines be updated to reflect these findings.