Red Wine, Cigarettes, and Lung Cancer

Smokers – both current smokers and those who’ve quit – have greatly increased risk of developing lung cancer. A new study, however, published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, shows that moderate alcohol intake may have a protective effect in smokers and ex-smokers.

The California Men’s Health Study has enrolled over 84,000 men aged 45 to 69, under the Kaiser Permanente health plan. A postal survey was used to get information on detailed lifestyle behavior between 2000 and 2003. The information on the 210 lung cancer cases identified through December 2006 were analyzed, with emphasis on beer, red wine, white wine, and liquor consumption, and, of course, smoking history.

Among ‘ever-smokers’, there was a significant decrease in the risk of developing lung cancer linked to red wine consumption. This effect was slightly stronger in heavy smokers. Looking at the frequency of intake, taking one or more glasses of red wine daily was associated with a 60% reduction in the risk of lung cancer in ever-smokers. There was no clear link between lung cancer and the intake of white wine, beer, or liquor.

The investigators state clearly: “Our results should not be extrapolated to heavy alcohol consumption”. So, a glass a day is enough. But, of course, stopping smoking is the first thing to do. Then you can start thinking about that glass of red.