Alcohol intake and endometrial cancer risk: a meta-analysis of prospective studies

BACKGROUND: Studies on alcohol intake in relation to endometrial cancer risk have produced inconsistent results. METHODS: For a meta-analysis, we identified cohort studies of alcohol and endometrial cancer by a literature search of Pub-Med and Embase up to 1 March 2010 and by searching the reference lists of relevant articles. RESULTS: Seven cohort studies, including 1 511 661 participants and 6086 endometrial cancer cases, were included in the dose-response random-effect meta-regression model. Compared with non-drinkers, women drinking less than 1 drink of alcohol (13 g of ethanol) per day had a lower risk for endometrial cancer; this risk was lower by 4% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.93-1.00) for consumption up to 0.5 drink per day and by 7% (95% CI: 0.85 1.02) for consumption up to 1 drink. However, we found evidence of an increased risk for endometrial cancer for intakes higher than two alcoholic drinks per day: compared with non-drinkers, the risk was higher by 14% (95% CI: 0.95-1.36) for 2-2.5 drinks per day and by 25% (95% CI: 0.98-1.58) for >2.5 drinks per day. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis indicates a possible J-shaped relationship between alcohol intake and endometrial cancer risk. British Journal of Cancer (2010) 103, 127-131. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6605698 www.bjcancer.com Published online 18 May 2010 (C) 2010 Cancer Research UK