Cancer is a complex disease. There are many different types of cancers, as well as many potential causes. Although we still don’t know all the answers, what is known is that a variety of factors can contribute to the development of cancer.
Genetic makeup and family history play a role. But external factors that you may have some have control over — like your lifestyle habits — have an even bigger impact. In fact, research shows that 80 to 90 percent of malignant tumors are related to external factors.
One of the most important lifestyle factors to consider is your diet. That’s because a large body of research has shown that some foods are associated with a higher risk of certain types of cancer.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at specific foods and beverages that may increase your risk of cancer, and what the scientific evidence has to say about the link between these foods and the risk of cancer.
1. Microwave Popcorn
Microwave popcorn bags have perfluorooctanoic acid, a toxin linked to infertility in women and increases the risk of kidney, bladder, liver, pancreas, and testicular cancers. Most popcorns use soybean oil, which can result in stomach problems and skin rashes.
2. Farmed Salmon
Farmed Salmon live on artificial foods and can be filled with chemicals, antibiotics, pesticides, and other known carcinogens.
3. Soda Pop
Sodas, full of sugar, are a primary reason for nationwide obesity and can end in inflammation, insulin resistance, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
4. Processed Meats
Processed Meats, including sausages, hot dogs, and bacon, harm your health with numerous chemicals and preservatives in them.
5. Canned Foods
Most cans contain a chemical known as bisphenol-A, or BPA, which influences gene working. So most canned foods are said to make people vulnerable to cancer.
6. Refined Sugars
Back in 1931, German Otto Warburg, the Nobel laureate in medicine, first discovered that tumors and cancers both use sugars to feed themselves to proliferate.
7. Pickled and Smoked Foods
Smoked foods contain considerable amounts of tar which is a known carcinogen. Meanwhile pickled foods, cured by nitrates and also colored, are associated with higher rates of colorectal and stomach cancer.
8. Artificial Sweeteners
Mounting evidence has proven that the chemicals that make up artificial sweeteners break down in the body as a deadly toxin called DKP, which can cause cancer, particularly brain tumors.
Can some foods lower your risk of cancer?
According to scientific research, some foods contain beneficial compounds that may help reduce the risk of cancer. This includes foods like:
- Fruits and vegetables. According to a 2017 reviewTrusted Source, fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. These compounds can help protect your cells from oxidative stress and DNA damage.
- Nuts. A 2023 reviewTrusted Source found that nuts may help reduce inflammation and cancer risk.
- Beans. Beans are rich in fiber. According to a 2023 studyTrusted Source, fiber may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Whole grains. Whole grains are associated with a lower risk of cancer, according to a 2020 reviewTrusted Source. Whole grains, like quinoa and brown rice, are rich in fiber and antioxidants.
- Fish. Fish offers healthy fats called omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats from fish may lower the risk of some cancers by reducing inflammation, according to a 2019 studyTrusted Source on breast cancer and a 2022 studyTrusted Source on colorectal cancer. However, according to a 2020 meta-analysisTrusted Source there is only weak evidence linking omega-3’s to cancer prevention.