Korede Abdullah in Lagos
A groundbreaking study from the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has confirmed that alcohol consumption—especially beer and spirits—may significantly increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Analyzing data from 2.5 million people across continents including Asia, Europe, and North America, the study found a “modest but significant” correlation between alcohol intake and the development of this deadly disease, regardless of smoking status or gender.
“Until now, the evidence linking alcohol consumption specifically to pancreatic cancer has been considered inconclusive,” said senior author of the study and Head of IARC’s Nutrition and Metabolism Branch, Dr. Pietro Ferrari.
Pancreatic cancer is among the most lethal forms of cancer, often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to vague symptoms. According to the study, each additional 10 grams of alcohol consumed per day raises the risk by 3%.
Women who drank between 15 and 30 grams daily (approximately one to two drinks) had a 12% increased risk compared to light drinkers, while men consuming 30 to 60 grams daily had a 15% higher risk. Those exceeding 60 grams daily—about four to five drinks—faced a 36% increase in risk.
“Our analysis showed that the link between alcohol and pancreatic cancer risk remains even among non-smokers, confirming that alcohol itself is an independent risk factor,” Dr. Ferrari added.
In Nigeria, where awareness of cancer risks remains low and alcohol use is culturally normalized in many regions, these findings raise serious public health concerns. Experts say the lack of regular cancer screening, weak healthcare infrastructure, and poor regulation of alcohol advertising compound the risks.
Dr. Ferrari emphasized the urgent need for further research into how long-term patterns such as binge drinking or early-life exposure to alcohol contribute to cancer risk.
According to the Nigerian Medical Association, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed too late for effective treatment, and prevention through lifestyle changes is critical.
“We need a national education campaign to highlight the cancer risks of alcohol, not just liver damage,” said an oncologist, Dr. Toke Ogunmodede, based in Lagos who spoke exclusively with our correspondent.
Dr. Ogunmodede words of caution to Nigerians, especially the youths who indulge in drinking. “This is particularly relevant in Nigeria, where youth binge drinking is rising”, he said.
Public health advocates are calling for stricter labeling laws, alcohol taxation, and school-based education to counter the growing burden of alcohol-related diseases.
As global evidence mounts, Nigerian policymakers may soon have no choice but to act on the silent but deadly link between alcohol and pancreatic cancer.
