The medical activists are at it again.
Ivan Illich could use the latest study on alcohol use and cancer as an example of medicalisation of behavior. In a study reported in the AMA’s morning news today (as well as many national daily newspapers) we are told about a UK study that lasted 7 years. The study was large enough that there were statistically significant findings. However a 7 year study showing an association is not the same as a study that lasted long enough to cover the period of incubation of cancers and changes in behaviors that occur over 20-30 years.. The investigators stated that taking more than 2 alcoholic drinks a week was associated with a significant increase in cancers. While other reviewer stated that alcohol in any amount was hazardous (a finding that contrary to studies of the lifelong benefits of moderate use of alcohol) in any amount. This discussion of the study seems more like an outburst from the Temperance League than from a group of sober epidemiologists and reminds me of past studies of coffee and its associations.
