Lifestyle-Associated Risk Factors and Gastrointestinal Cancers: Targeting Potential of the Gut Microbe–Host Crosstalk-Based Metabolic Processes
Alcohol consumption has long been considered a significant lifestyle-associated risk factor for digestive tract tumors, although controversy exists. Previous research has primarily focused on the volume of alcohol intake, with widespread acknowledgment of the promotional effect of heavy drinking on digestive tract tumors.1 However, some studies suggest that light to moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.2 In this issue of Gastroenterology, Shi et al3 innovatively shifted their focus to alcohol consumption patterns or timing, revealing a 10% increase in the risk of gastrointestinal cancers, particularly gastric cancer, liver cancer, and rectal cancer, among the population drinking without meals.
