[Hinews] SEOUL, South Korea — A new study from South Korea has found a significant link between heavy alcohol consumption and an increased risk of soft tissue sarcoma in women, highlighting a previously unrecognized health concern. The research, led by Dr. Min-Wook Joo, an orthopedic surgeon at The Catholic University of Korea’s St. Vincent’s Hospital, was published in the September 2025 issue of Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, accompanied by an editorial interview.

The research team analyzed data from South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service, tracking approximately 3.93 million adults aged 20 and older who underwent national health screenings in 2009 through 2020. The study focused specifically on the relationship between drinking habits and the incidence of soft tissue sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that develops in connective tissues such as muscles, tendons, and fat.

The findings revealed a stark gender disparity. Women who consumed an average of fewer than four drinks per day had a 1.51 times higher risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma compared to non-drinkers. For those consuming four or more drinks daily, the risk was 2.48 times higher. When assessed by single-occasion drinking, women who consumed 3–4 drinks had a 1.35-fold increased risk, while those consuming 5–7 drinks faced a 1.73-fold increase. Binge drinking, defined as 14 or more drinks in one sitting, was associated with a dramatic 3.7-fold increase in risk.

In contrast, the study found no significant correlation between alcohol consumption and soft tissue sarcoma risk in men. The researchers suggested that anatomical and physiological differences, as well as variations in alcohol metabolism, might explain the gender-specific findings.

Professor Min-Wook Joo, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, St. Vincent’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea
Professor Min-Wook Joo, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, St. Vincent’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea

Dr. Joo emphasized the broader implications of the study, noting that it is the first to demonstrate a connection between alcohol consumption and soft tissue sarcoma risk. “This research underscores the need for greater awareness of alcohol’s harmful effects and calls for societal and policy-level interventions,” he said. The study also highlighted the rapid rise in high-risk drinking among women in South Korea, urging greater emphasis on moderation.

The findings come at a time when alcohol-related health risks are gaining attention globally, particularly as drinking patterns evolve. The research team hopes their work will prompt further studies and inform public health strategies to address alcohol consumption’s lesser-known consequences.

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