Your Daily Sugary Drink Habit Could Double Your Risk of Stomach Cancer

A recent study published in Gastro Hep Advances suggests that drinking just one sugary beverage each day may more than double a person's risk of stomach cancer. Researchers found that people consuming at least one sugar-sweetened beverage daily, such as soda or sports drinks, were 2.45 times more likely to develop stomach cancer compared to those who drank less than one serving per month.

Artificially sweetened drinks did not increase stomach cancer risk. Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and often diagnosed at a late stage, with limited treatment options. While past research has linked sugar-sweetened beverages to higher risks of other cancers like colorectal, breast, and liver cancer, the connection to stomach cancer was previously unclear.

Study author Chan emphasized that limiting processed foods, including sugary drinks, is crucial for overall health. The exact reason behind the increased stomach cancer risk from sugar-sweetened beverages remains unknown, but experts suggest it may be due to the metabolic effects of fructose, calorie load contributing to weight gain, or inflammation.

To reduce sugary drink consumption, experts recommend swapping one drink per day for water, sparkling water, or unsweetened iced tea.