9 Daily Foods and Drinks That Could Drive Cancer Growth

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cancer remains one of the most deadly diseases threatening global health. In addition to genetic and environmental factors, lifestyle, especially diet, also plays a role in increasing the risk of cancer.

Many people are unaware that some foods and beverages consumed regularly contain harmful substances that can stimulate cancer cell growth. Here are the foods and drinks that trigger cancer.

1. Processed Meat

According to PIK Hospital, processed meat is meat that has been preserved through smoking, salting, curing, or canning. Generally, processed meat comes from red meat, such as sausages, meatballs, hot dogs, pepperoni, and canned meat, which usually contain additives to extend shelf life.

Consuming processed meat has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, especially stomach and colon cancer. Consuming one sausage per day can increase the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 18 percent.

2. Alcoholic Beverages

In the body, alcohol is converted into acetaldehyde, a compound that can damage DNA and potentially trigger cancer. The more alcohol consumed, the greater the risk of various types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, and liver cancer.

Some experts suggest completely avoiding alcohol, while others recommend limiting consumption to no more than one serving per day (equivalent to 360 milliliters (ml) of beer, 150 ml of wine, or 30 ml of spirits).

3. Sugary and Carbonated Drinks

Although there is no direct evidence that sugar causes cancer, consuming sweetened beverages can lead to obesity, which is a risk factor for various types of cancer. To reduce the risk of cancer, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid consuming foods and beverages that can trigger it.

Consuming fiber-rich and antioxidant-rich foods, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and undergoing regular health check-ups are effective measures in cancer prevention.

4. Red Meat

According to Medical News Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies red meat as group 2A, meaning it is "probably carcinogenic" to humans. Carcinogens are substances that can trigger cancer. Red meat in this category includes beef, pork, lamb, mutton, veal, and others.

Several studies have shown a strong link between consuming large amounts of red meat and increased risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, consuming red meat is also associated with the risk of pancreatic and prostate cancer.

5. Processed Foods

Meanwhile, processed foods include various products such as packaged snacks (biscuits and chips), frozen foods, carbonated drinks, spreads like margarine and cream cheese, sweets like candy and chocolate, as well as fast food like pizza, burgers, and fried chicken.

These products typically get modified by adding chemicals such as colorings, flavorings, emulsifiers, and preservatives to make them more attractive and long-lasting. Processed foods generally contain high levels of salt, sugar, and fat, as well as potentially carcinogenic chemicals, but are lacking in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

A diet rich in processed foods can also lead to obesity, which is a major risk factor for cancer.

6. Fried Foods

As cited from Healthline, fried foods, especially those containing starch like potatoes, can produce acrylamide when cooked at high temperatures. Processes such as frying, baking, and roasting can trigger the formation of this compound.

Processed fried foods like French fries and chips are among the highest in acrylamide. Excessive consumption of fried foods also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity, both of which can trigger oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, thus increasing the risk of cancer.

7. Overcooked Foods

In addition, overcooked foods, especially meat, can produce carcinogenic substances. Research shows that cooking meat at high temperatures can produce harmful compounds such as heterocyclic amines (HCA) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which can affect DNA and increase the likelihood of cancer.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), overcooking starchy foods like potatoes can increase acrylamide levels.

8. High Sugar and Processed Carbohydrate Foods

High sugar and processed carbohydrates also indirectly contribute to cancer risk. Examples include sweetened drinks, white bread, white rice, sweet cereals, and pastries. Excessive consumption of these foods can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes, two conditions closely related to inflammation and oxidative stress that increase the likelihood of various types of cancer.

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