Dutch researchers, who conducted a long-term study including almost 121,000 people, say that drinking and smoking have links with three esophageal and stomach cancer subtypes.

Researchers found that among the participants, there were 120 ESCC cases, 168EAC cases and 187 GCA cases after 16 years. A dose relationship between alcohol and ESCC was identified by the researchers, as they found that a person who consumed four glasses of alcohol everyday has five times higher risk of developing ESCC than a person who didn’t drink.

Similarly, current and former smoking was also related to a higher risk of developing all three types of cancers. There was an intermediate risk in former smokers, while current smokers had the highest risk if compared with people who didn’t smoke.

The findings are expected to be presented at the American Academy of Cancer Research’s annual cancer prevention meeting, in Washington, D.C. on Monday.

The study confirms risk factors that were previously associated with these cancers; however, the study didn’t explain the rise in these types of cancers especially GCA and EAC.

Jessie Steevens, who authored the study, says: “Our findings again confirm recommendations for a healthy lifestyle that include not to smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation and to be physically active. The study also suggests that there are some other risk factors for EAC and GCA.”