In the midst of a sea of health claims on social media, it’s easy to stumble upon several that lack scientific backing. One such claim often heard is about certain foods “causing cancer”, with sugar frequently being singled out.
However, experts are in agreement that sugar does not cause cancer, nor does it “feed” existing cancer. It’s true that excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, which in turn can heighten your risk of developing cancer, but this principle applies to overeating any food that leads to weight gain.
Cancer Research UK has labelled the notion that sugar fuels cancer as a “myth”. Yet, there are two items that experts concur do cause cancer.
Nichole Andrews, a registered dietitian nutritionist who identifies herself online as “the oncology dietician”, provided a list of measures people could take to reduce their cancer risk, backed by research from the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund. These included cutting out alcohol and processed meats.
She stated: “Even moderate drinking can increase your risk of certain cancers.” She added: “Avoid processed meats: these are strongly linked to colorectal cancer.”
She describes processed meats as “pre-cooked meats, so hot dogs, deli meats, sausages, bacon” and defines alcohol as “all types of alcohol, including red wine”.
Elaborating further, Nichole explained: “Alcohol is a group one 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.”
Nichole added: “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 corroborates Nichole’s guidance, stating unequivocally: “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.”
On the topic of sugar, their stance is clear: “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 is processed meat?
Processed meat refers to any meat that has been treated with chemical preservatives such as nitrates to enhance its taste or extend its shelf life. This could involve smoking, curing, or salting the meat.
Examples of processed meat include ham, bacon, corned beef, and certain types of sausages like salami, chorizo, and hot dogs.
Cancer Research UK explains: “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.”
The safety of alcohol consumption is another topic that seems to have ever-changing advice regarding the safe amounts and types to consume. If you have genuine concerns, it’s advisable to consult reliable sources.
However, in 2022, the World Health Organisation (WHO) supported Nichole’s advice, stating unequivocally: “No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health.”
The WHO clarified: “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.”