Amid the flurry of health claims swirling on social media, many are not supported by scientific evidence. One common assertion is that certain foods, particularly sugar, “cause cancer” or exacerbate it.
but experts collectively agree that sugar does not directly cause cancer, nor does it “feed” existing cancer cells. It’s acknowledged that overconsumption of sugar can lead to weight gain, which may elevate the risk of cancer, but this is a general consequence of gaining weight from any calorie-dense food. Cancer Research UK says the notion that sugar specifically fuels cancer is a “myth”.
However, there are indeed specific foods that have been linked to an increased risk of cancer:
- alcohol
- processed meats
Nichole Andrews, a registered dietitian nutritionist known as “the oncology dietician” online, has shared research-supported advice on how to reduce cancer risk. Her recommendations include limiting alcohol and avoiding processed meats, reports Surrey Live.
She warns: “Even moderate drinking can increase your risk of certain cancers” and cautions: “Avoid processed meats: these are strongly linked to colorectal cancer.”
On her Instagram page, Nichole devotes significant effort to dispeling prevalent cancer myths. She states: “”I want to remind you that even though everyone’s saying everything that you’re eating is increasing cancer risk, it’s not. There are only two foods that you eat… that increase your cancer risk. “”.
She points out that processed meats, such as “hot dogs, deli meats, sausages, bacon” and “all” alcoholic beverages, including red wine, increase your risk of cancer.
She says: “Alcohol is a group 1 carcinogen (the same category as tobacco) and is strongly linked to cancers like breast and liver. Processed meats (like bacon and sausage) also increase colon cancer risk, even in small amounts.”
She adds, “Eating sugar in moderation is OK. It’s excess calorie intake (from any food) that leads to weight and fat gain, which increases cancer risk. A cookie or slice of cake won’t hurt your health – balance is key!”
Cancer Research UK confirms: “We know for definite that processed meat is a cause of cancer. We are as sure of this link as we are for other proven causes of cancer, like tobacco and alcohol.”
Regarding sugar, they further clarify: “There’s no evidence that following a ‘sugar-free’ diet lowers the risk of getting cancer, or that it boosts the chances of surviving if you are diagnosed.”
What exactly is processed meat?
Processed meat refers to any meat that has been treated with chemical preservatives such as nitrates to extend its shelf life or enhance its flavour. This treatment could involve smoking, curing, or salting the meat.
Examples of processed meats include ham, bacon, corned beef, and certain types of sausages like salami, chorizo, and hot dogs.
Cancer Research UK has highlighted that chemicals found in processed meat, either added during processing or produced when cooking, include nitrates and nitrites, which are used to prolong the freshness of processed meat. The organisation further explained: “When we eat them, nitrates and nitrites can become N-nitroso chemicals (NOCs) that can damage the cells that line our bowel. This damage can lead to bowel cancer.”
Is there a safe level of alcohol consumption?
The advice on the safe amount and types of alcohol to consume seems to fluctuate regularly. If you have genuine concerns, it’s advisable to consult reliable sources. However, in 2022, the World Health Organisation echoed Nichole’s advice, stating unequivocally: “No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health.”
The organisation further elaborated: “The risks and harms associated with drinking alcohol have been systematically evaluated over the years and are well documented. The World Health Organization has now published a statement in The Lancet Public Health: when it comes to alcohol consumption, there is no safe amount that does not affect health.
“It is the alcohol that causes harm, not the beverage. Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance and has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer decades ago this is the highest risk group, which also includes asbestos, radiation and tobacco.
“Alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, including the most common cancer types, such as bowel cancer and female breast cancer. Ethanol (alcohol) causes cancer through biological mechanisms as the compound breaks down in the body, which means that any beverage containing alcohol, regardless of its price and quality, poses a risk of developing cancer.
“The risk of developing cancer increases substantially the more alcohol is consumed. However, latest available data indicate that half of all alcohol-attributable cancers in the WHO European Region are caused by “light” and “moderate” alcohol consumption less than 1.5 litres of wine or less than 3.5 litres of beer or less than 450 millilitres of spirits per week.”