Daily Sugary Drinks May Nearly Double Stomach Cancer Risk, Study Finds
Could your daily soft drink habit be putting your stomach health at risk? A new study has raised concerns about a possible link between sugary drinks and stomach cancer.
Research published in Gastro Hep Advances found that people who consumed at least one sugary drink every day had nearly twice the risk of developing stomach cancer compared with those who drank these beverages less than once a month.
Researchers analysed health and lifestyle data from more than 112,000 people collected over several decades. During the study period, 278 participants developed stomach cancer, affecting both men and women.
The study’s author, Andrew Chan, said the research is among the first to specifically examine the possible connection between sugary drink consumption and stomach cancer.
Interestingly, the findings did not show an increased stomach cancer risk among people consuming artificially sweetened or low-calorie carbonated drinks.
Previous research has already linked high consumption of sugary beverages with several other cancers, including colorectal, breast and liver cancers. However, evidence connecting sugary drinks with stomach cancer has been more limited.
Stomach cancer remains a major global health concern and is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Researchers say understanding possible dietary risk factors could help improve prevention efforts.
However, scientists stress that the study shows an association, not proof that sugary drinks directly cause stomach cancer. More research is needed to understand whether the drinks themselves or other lifestyle factors are responsible for the increased risk.
The findings nevertheless add to growing concerns about excessive sugar consumption and highlight the importance of making healthier choices in everyday diets.
