Alcohol and cancer study prompts NHS screening drive

A new study ties alcohol to pancreatic cancer through CREB driven inflammation and notes a national screening push by the NHS.

Alcohol use linked to pancreatic cancer risk study finds

Researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine say alcohol activates CREB in the pancreas, a molecule tied to inflammation. The study argues that CREB acts as a switch that permanently converts normal acinar cells into precancerous cells, raising the risk of high‑grade neoplasia. In the UK, about 10,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year, and survival beyond 10 years is rare. The disease usually spreads before symptoms appear, making it very hard to treat.

The NHS has launched a three‑year pilot to find cases early. GP teams will comb through patient records to spot people over 60 with signs such as newly diagnosed diabetes or sudden weight loss. More than 300 GP practices will participate, with testing including blood tests and CT scans if needed. The study also notes that reducing alcohol intake lowers risk, while lab results suggest blocking CREB could stop the cancerous process in those who continue to drink.

The findings point to a biological mechanism behind alcohol related cancer, reinforcing the link between chronic inflammation and tumor development. Yet the research is early, based on cellular models, and human outcomes remain uncertain. The NHS screening push is timely but resource intensive; its success will depend on clear communication and careful handling of false positives. In public discourse, the key task is to translate a cautious scientific signal into practical guidance without fueling stigma around drinking.

Highlights

Public health messaging should balance clear risk with practical steps.