What you may have heard
Soft drinks, including sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and artificially sweetened beverages (ASB), have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. This includes both common and rare types of cancers, with significant concern around liver cancer and breast cancer.
What the science tells us
Emerging evidence from observational studies suggests a correlation between the consumption of soft drinks and an increased risk of several types of cancer. These studies highlight the potential dangers of both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages.
Clinical Evidence
Recent studies and meta-analyses have shown that drinking a lot of sweetened beverages can increase the risk of several types of cancer. Specifically, higher consumption of sugary drinks is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and liver cancer. People who drink sugary drinks every day have a much higher risk of developing these cancers compared to those who consume them less frequently.
Laboratory Evidence/Supporting Evidence
- High intake of sugar-sweetened beverages increases insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, which are linked to cancer cell growth.
- Soft drinks can increase cellular inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to cancer development. Oxidative stress happens when there are too many harmful molecules called “free radicals” in the body, which can damage cells.
- Regular consumption of sugary drinks can lead to systemic health issues, such as obesity, which is associated with an increased risk of cancer.
How to reduce your risk
Given the potential risks associated with soft drink consumption, here are some steps to reduce your cancer risk:
- Reducing the intake of sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages can lower the risk of cancer.
- Aim for healthier drink options such as water or natural fruit juices without added sugars.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support overall health and reduce cancer risk.
Bottom line
While emerging evidence suggests that the consumption of soft drinks is associated with an increased risk of various cancers, more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms. It is advisable to limit the intake of sugary and artificially sweetened beverages and focus on maintaining a balanced diet to reduce cancer risk and support overall health.
For further information on this topic, read, “What is worse, a soda or a beer?” in the Harvard Gazette and watch “Healthy Hydration” Beverage Choices and Cancer Risk,” co-hosted by the Zhu Center for Global Cancer Prevention and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Office of Communications.