Association between Alcohol Consumption and Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Gastric cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer. As conflicting studies have recently been published, we aimed to evaluate the magnitude of the epidemiological evi- dence for an association between alcohol consumption and gastric cancer. This study is a meta-analysis of case-control studies which have been performed during 1989 to 2007. We systematically reviewed the literature on the association between alcohol consump- tion and gastric cancer. Published case-control studies were identified in Pub Med and reference lists. Random effects meta-analysis was used to pool effects from twenty studies. The odds ratio (OR) for the overall association between alcohol and gastric cancer was 1.77 (95%CI: 1.46-2.15). The pooled OR for alcohol consumption related to gastric cancer for men was 2.17 (95%CI: 1.67-2.83). The odds ratio of beer or liquor was 1.16 which is not statistically related to gastric cancer risk (P> 0.05). Whereas, the odds ratio of vodka, wine and other types of alcohol intake related to gastric cancer were respectively 3.26, 1.69, and 1.77 (P< 0.01). Overall, based on the results of pooled analysis, it is reassuring that this meta-analysis shows a direct effect of alcohol associated with gastric cancer. Knowledge on the level of exposure to different alcohol constituents provides a deeper understanding of the real role of alcohol on cancer risk and ultimately allows the design of safer beverages.