Cancer can have many causes, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle, and while genetics cannot be controlled, the other two are much more manageable. Food is one of the simplest ways to improve your cancer risks. Oncologists who specialize in cancer treatment and prevention, often avoid certain foods linked to inflammation, carcinogens, and poor overall health. While no single food directly causes cancer, long-term consumption of certain unhealthy foods may increase risk. Here are five foods many oncologists limit or avoid:
- Processed Meats
- Includes: Hot dogs, bacon, deli meats, sausages
- Why? Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO), processed meats contain nitrates and nitrites, which can form cancer-causing compounds when cooked or digested.
- Sugary Drinks & Ultra-Processed Sugars
- Includes: Soda, energy drinks, fruit juices with added sugar
- Why? Excess sugar intake is linked to obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of certain cancers, particularly breast and colorectal cancer.
- Charred or Overcooked Meats
- Includes: Grilled, barbecued, or fried meats at high temperatures
- Why? High-heat cooking produces carcinogenic compounds like heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to an increased cancer risk.
- Artificial Sweeteners & Highly Processed Foods
- Includes: Diet sodas, packaged snacks, processed low-calorie foods
- Why? While research is ongoing, some artificial sweeteners and preservatives in ultra-processed foods may disrupt gut health, increase inflammation, and contribute to metabolic disorders.
- Alcohol
- Includes: Beer, wine, liquor
- Why? Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, linked to cancers of the breast, liver, mouth, throat, and colon. It can also impair the body’s ability to detoxify and repair DNA damage.
While even cutting out all of these foods completely won’t guarantee cancer prevention, reducing processed meats, excessive sugar, charred meats, artificial additives, and alcohol can support overall health and lower cancer risk.
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