Does intake of alcohol increase the risk of presence and growth of colorectal adenomas followed-up in situ for three years?

Background: Alcohol has been suggested as a promoter in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Our aim was to examine if alcohol intake was related to the presence and growth of colorectal adenomas less than or equal to 9 min followed up in situ for 3 years. Methods: We compared 87 adenoma cases to 35 'hospital' and 35 healthy controls (age- and sex-matched and proven to be polyp-free). These cases were participating in a 3-year intervention study against growth and recurrence of polyps. Alcohol data were obtained using a structured interview (I) and a 5-day dietary record by weighing (DR). Results: The median intakes of alcohol were 5 g/day (I) and 6 g/day (DR). Increasing differences were found between I and DR with increasing alcohol intake. Increasing total alcohol intake showed a tendency to an inverse association with adenoma occurrence (ORs <0.5), in contrast to the tendency of a positive association with adenoma growth (ORs >5.8). No significant beverage-specific effects were observed at this low alcohol intake level. Those with an intake of >20 g alcohol/day (18%) had several indicators of an 'unhealthy' lifestyle that may also be independently associated with adenomas, and even CRC. Conclusion: A very low intake of alcohol (<5 g/day) did not increase the risk of presence and of growth of adenomas followed-up in situ for 3 years, but we cannot exclude that an increased intake may increase the risk of adenoma growth.