India, Jan. 27 -- A new study finds a sobering connection between the drinks you have over a lifetime and your future health. Published in the journal Cancer, the research shows long-term alcohol use is linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.

The study followed over 88,000 adults for nearly a decade. It tracked their drinking habits from early adulthood and their later health. The message from doctors is clear: the choices we make over time matter for our gut health.

The research compared different levels of drinking. People who averaged over 14 drinks a week had a 25% higher risk of colorectal cancer than very light drinkers. The risk for rectal cancer was nearly double.

The most striking finding was for consistent heavy drinker...