The increasing global consumption of sugary beverages and packaged juices has raised alarm among healthcare professionals, with growing evidence linking these drinks to serious health risks. While their association with conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease is well-documented, their potential role in cancer development is now drawing significant attention.
According to Dr Kataria, sugary beverages including soft drinks, carbonated drinks, artificially sweetened beverages, and fruit-based drinks like lemonade and punch have become dietary staples, especially among adolescents. These drinks are rich in added caloric sweeteners such as sucrose, fructose, and artificial additives. Studies have linked sugary drinks to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiometabolic diseases, but their connection to cancer is inconsistent, he explains.
High sugar intake contributes to obesity and a high glycemic index, which are well-established risk factors for cancers like colorectal, breast, and prostate, he says. Additionally, the rapid spikes in blood sugar caused by these beverages lead to increased insulin production. Elevated insulin levels stimulate insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), a hormone implicated in the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate cancer. By addressing these dietary factors, healthcare professionals can help mitigate cancer risk and improve treatment outcomes. Making informed dietary choices is not just a preventive measure but a critical component of overall cancer care.
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