New research from Mass General Brigham reveals a significant link between sugary drink consumption and the increased risk of developing stomach cancer. The study, accounting for other risk factors, found that consuming one or more sugary drinks daily nearly triples the risk compared to having fewer than one serving per month.
According to CDC data, 63% of U.S. adults report consuming sugar-sweetened beverages at least once a day. Previous studies associated sugary drinks with higher rates of liver, breast, and colorectal cancers, but their impact on stomach tissue was less understood until now.
The study evaluated data from over 100,000 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Results showed a 2.45-times higher risk of gastric cancer in those drinking at least one sugar-sweetened beverage daily compared to those consuming less than one per month.
The research, managed by Harvard-affiliated researchers, explored the links between lifestyle, diet, and chronic disease among healthcare workers. Senior author Andrew T. Chan, a gastroenterologist and epidemiologist, noted concerns due to rising cases of gastrointestinal cancers, especially in those under 50.
“Our increasing consumption of sugary drinks and ultraprocessed foods likely contributes to these cancer trends,” Chan stated.
Gastric cancer is strongly associated with Helicobacter pylori, a stomach-living bacterium. The study found that even without a link to H. pylori, sugary drinks, particularly those high in fructose, increased cancer risk, especially among women.
Sugar-sweetened drinks examined included regular sodas, fruit punches, lemonade, and sports beverages. Higher fructose consumption was linked to an elevated cancer risk, while artificially sweetened drinks like diet sodas showed no increased risk among over 100,000 participants.
The study was observational, indicating correlation but not causation. Participants were mainly White healthcare professionals. Further study is required to confirm these findings across diverse populations.
“The study shows an association, but more research is needed to determine causality,” Chan said.
This study was published in Gastro Hep Advances. For more health stories, visit Fox News Digital where Khloe Quill and the lifestyle team cover various topics, including health, food, and travel.