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World J Hepatol. Aug 27, 2013; 5(8): 452-457
Published online Aug 27, 2013. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v5.i8.452
Published online Aug 27, 2013. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v5.i8.452
Alcohol and tobacco misuse: Reducing aerodigestive cancer risk
Gavin Wright, Marsha Y Morgan, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Campus, University College London Medical School, University College, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
Gavin Wright, Department of Gastroenterology, Basildon and Thurock University Hospitals, Essex SS16 5NL, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Both authors contributed equally to the concept, data collection and manuscript development.
Correspondence to: Dr. Marsha Y Morgan, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Campus, University College London Medical School, University College, Rowland Hill Street, Hampstead, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom. marsha.morgan@ucl.ac.uk
Telephone: +44-207-4332873
Received: April 5, 2013
Revised: June 9, 2013
Accepted: July 4, 2013
Published online: August 27, 2013
Revised: June 9, 2013
Accepted: July 4, 2013
Published online: August 27, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: What is already known? Most people who drink heavily also smoke; alcohol and smoking synergistically increase aerodigestive cancer risk; people with alcohol problems and/or liver injury, are supported to attain and maintain abstinence, from alcohol but much less effort is employed to help them achieve smoking cessation. What is the key message? Patients who maintain abstinence from alcohol remain at risk for aerodigestive cancers for several years, especially if they continue to smoke. How might it impact on future clinical practice? Smoking behaviour should be addressed in co-dependent individuals if the health benefits of long-term abstinence from alcohol are to be maximized.