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

Background: 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 evidence for an association between alcohol consumption and gastric cancer. Methods: 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 consumption 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. Results: 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). Conclusion: 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.