We’ve all heard the golden mantra: a glass of red wine a day keeps the doctor away, thanks to resveratrol, a trendy antioxidant celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. Yet increasingly, alcohol itself has become known as a clear risk factor for cancer. So, who are we really to trust—and what should be our vino of choice?
In search of some clarity, researchers from the Brown University School of Public Health decided to dive deeper, investigating the cancer risks associated with red versus white wine.
Does Your Favorite Glass of Red Actually Reduce Cancer Risk?
To uncover the truth, the researchers meticulously sifted through extensive—and often contradictory—studies on wine and cancer. Impressively comprehensive, their analysis spanned 42 studies, involving over 96,000 participants. After combing through the data, the scientists found something intriguing: overall, drinking moderate amounts of wine—whether red or white—didn’t noticeably increase cancer risk. But here’s the catch—neither did red wine offer any protective benefit against cancer, as previously suggested.
“We found no difference in the association between red or white wine consumption and overall cancer risk, challenging the common belief that red wine is healthier,” the researchers stated confidently.
Yet, Here’s the Twist—White Wine Drinkers, Beware!
Unexpectedly, the data highlighted a curious connection. Unlike red wine, regular white wine drinking appeared to elevate the risk of skin cancers. While researchers didn’t pinpoint a definitive cause, they speculate that lifestyle habits among white wine drinkers—such as indulging in artificial tanning sessions or skipping sunscreen—could play a role. “At present, it’s unclear exactly why white wine, in particular, is linked to higher risks,” the scientists acknowledged candidly.
Alarmingly, the study also spotted a notable rise in overall cancer risk among female white wine consumers. This intriguing finding warrants further research, as experts strive to crack the code behind this unexpected gender-specific difference.
Alcohol—Serious Risk, Undeniable Consequences
In France, sharing a glass is practically cultural etiquette—but perhaps it’s time we think twice before raising a toast too often. Alcohol remains the second-largest preventable cancer risk factor in the country, causing 30,000 new cancer diagnoses every year. In fact, in 2024 alone, 49,000 deaths in France were linked to alcohol, including an estimated 16,000 directly due to cancer.
Bottom line? The occasional after-work indulgence may not dramatically increase overall cancer risk, but it’s certainly no wellness elixir either. So drink with awareness, take precautions—and stay informed.
Sources:
- Lim, Rachel K., Jongeun Rhee, Megan Hoang, Abrar A. Qureshi, and Eunyoung Cho. 2025. “Consumption of Red Versus White Wine and Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies,” Nutrients 17, no. 3:534. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030534
- “Is Red Wine a Healthier Choice Than White Wine? Uncorking the Cancer Risks,” School of Public Health, Brown University, March 6, 2025.
- National Cancer Institute
**Vin Rouge Ou Vin Blanc ? Une Étude Tranche Sur Leur Impact Réel Sur Le Cancer**
This article first appeared on doctissimo.fr – Author: Magali Régnier
