Does excess sugar raise cancer risk? What the research says

Whether it is a holiday, a family gathering or the daily menu, sweets are an inseparable part of our lives. But regularly consuming sugary food and drinks does more than cause tooth problems and weight gain; the consequences can be far more serious.

There is no direct evidence linking sugar to cancer. However, regularly eating many sugary foods and drinks can raise total calorie intake without adding much nutrition.

When the calories consumed consistently exceed what the body needs for energy, the excess is stored as fat, and obesity can develop. Long-term excess sugar intake can lead to unhealthy weight gain, obesity and metabolic disorders.

According to experts, excess body weight is linked to a higher risk of at least 13 cancers. These include post-menopausal breast cancer, colorectal, pancreatic, liver, kidney and endometrial cancers.

Another important factor is chronic, low-grade inflammation, which is associated with excess body fat. Obesity can also affect levels of insulin, insulin-like growth factor and certain sex hormones.

These biological changes can create conditions that encourage abnormal cell growth and raise cancer risk over time.

It is important to remember, however, that obesity does not mean a person will automatically develop cancer. Rather, it is one of several modifiable risk factors that can affect long-term health outcomes.

There is a widespread belief that cutting sugar from the diet will effectively starve cancer cells. While it is true that cancer cells consume more glucose than normal cells, it is not true that removing sugar from the diet will shrink a tumour. Cutting carbohydrates from the diet is not a correct way to prevent or treat cancer.

When it comes to diet, nothing needs to be cut out entirely; everything should simply be taken in moderation. According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidance, free sugar intake should not exceed 10 percent of a person's total calorie intake, while 5 percent is considered even more beneficial.

Eating fruit instead of sugary drinks, taking fibre-rich food, avoiding processed food and eating a balanced diet can help. Physical exercise, adequate sleep and maintaining a healthy body weight are also extremely important.

The link between sugar, obesity and cancer shows why paying attention to eating habits matters. Although an occasional indulgence causes no harm, excess sugar over a long period can affect metabolism and create unnecessary risk.