Common Everyday Drink Could Double Risk Of Stomach Cancer

Key Points:

• A study by Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages more than doubles the risk of developing gastric cancer, with a 2.45-fold higher risk compared to those who consume such drinks once a month or less.
• The research analyzed data from over 112,000 U.S. adults and noted a particularly strong association between sugary drink intake and gastric cancer risk among females, while no similar link was found for artificially sweetened beverages.
• Sugar-sweetened beverages include sodas, energy drinks, and juices with added sugars, but not 100% fresh fruit juices; over 60% of American adults and children consume these drinks daily, contributing to high caloric intake.
• Gastric cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with over 30,000 new cases and more than 10,000 deaths annually in the U.S., highlighting the public health significance of these findings.
• Experts suggest that the increased cancer risk may be related to fructose-induced changes in gut microbiota, metabolic alterations, and obesity, although further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.