We know that alcohol is the cause many forms of cancer. Researchers have confirmed it. However, it turns out that some soft drinks would also increase the risk. A new scientific study has revealed this fact.
Women who consume at least one sugary drink a day are at risk of developing liver cancer. It is according to a study from the University of South Carolina. These would present 78% higher risk than those who drink it only occasionally.
Alcoholic beverages and cancer risk
Scientists have recognized alcohol as a carcinogen. To be more specific, ethanol. Ethanol, when ingested, degrades into the organism into compounds.
Thus, acetaldehyde and other free radicals can damage cells and cause disease development. In addition, alcohol consumption can lead to nutritional deficits. Which could promote disease.
It is the quantity of alcohol and the type of alcoholic drink that take precedence. That said, the risk of cancer increases as soon as consumption exceeds one drink per day. Consumption in small quantities therefore remains, all in all, a risk factor.
According to studies, here especially cancers dont alcohol would increase the risk :
- breast cancer
- mouth cancer
- Le cancer colorectal
- Esophageal cancer
- stomach cancer
- liver cancer
- Cancer of the larynx and pharynx
Alcohol consumption and smoking
If we associate smoking alcohol consumption, the risk of cancer increases. Especially cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract. For information, alcohol consumption is, in France, the second cause of cancer death. after smoking.
It is attributed to the consumption of alcohol approximately 28,000 new cases of cancer every year. Alcohol consumption in France is therefore one of the highest in Europe. However, advice is in order to reduce the risk of cancer.
People wishing to continue consuming alcoholic beverages should not exceed the dose of two glasses per day. And not every day. The best is to abstain from drinking at least 2 days a week.
Soft drinks and liver cancer
New studies suggest non-alcoholic beverages are added to the list cancer factor agents. Researchers have found that intake of sugary drinks equals the sum of soft drinks and fruit drinks.
According to a diagnosis confirmed after a median follow-up of 18.7 years, 205 women would be suffering from liver cancer. That said, the consumption of sugary drinks would be a risk factor for liver cancer in postmenopausal women.
It is, however, a modifiable risk. In recent years, scientists have noticed that the risk factors for liver cancer have changed. Indeed, for a long time, they considered cirrhosis as the main risk de cancer du foie.
Now it seems the situation has changed. fatty liver disease has now become the fastest growing cause of cancer death. It is the accumulation of fat in the liver that characterizes this disease.
It is junk food that would be the cause, but also the consumption of sugary drinks. Additional studies are needed to thoroughly examine this link between liver cancer and sugary drinks. That’s what researchers from the University of South Carolina said.
A few tips to prevent cancer
Now we know that alcohol is not the only cause of cancer. We can now count the drinks not alcoholic among these risk factors. That being so, here are a few tips to reduce the risk of cancer:
- Do not smoke: indeed, smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, but not only. That of head and neck cancer too. We can also cite cancer of the liver, esophagus and breast, among others.
- Eat healthy: for this, opt for natural foods instead of highly processed foods. In other words, vegetables, fruits, proteins and whole grains.
- Be active: regular physical exercises would help to protect of at least 8 types of cancer. So go ahead, ride a bike, hit the gym or take a walk with your dog…
