Consuming one sugary drink a day may be associated with a higher risk of developing stomach cancer. This is what a study carried out in the United States and published in the scientific journal Gastro Hep Advances points out.
Study links daily sugary drink to higher risk of stomach cancer
Consuming one sugary drink a day may be associated with a higher risk of developing stomach cancer. This is what a study carried out in the United States and published in the scientific journal Gastro Hep Advances points out. The research,...
The research, released this Monday (17) by scientists from Mass General Brigham hospital, analyzed data from more than 112 thousand people and investigated the relationship between eating habits and the development of gastric cancer. The results indicated that frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, such as soft drinks and lemonades, was related to...
- The results indicated that frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, such as soft drinks and lemonades, was related to a 2.45 times higher risk of being diagnosed with the disease...
- Among women, the association was even higher: the observed risk was 3.04 times higher.
- Over the period analyzed, 278 participants were diagnosed with stomach cancer.
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The research, released this Monday (17) by scientists from Mass General Brigham hospital, analyzed data from more than 112 thousand people and investigated the relationship between eating habits and the development of gastric cancer.
The results indicated that frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, such as soft drinks and lemonades, was related to a 2.45 times higher risk of being diagnosed with the disease compared to people who rarely consumed this type of product.
Among women, the association was even higher: the observed risk was 3.04 times higher.
Over the period analyzed, 278 participants were diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Soft drinks and other sugary drinks are on alert
The study draws attention mainly to the regular consumption, around one serving per day, of drinks with added sugar.
The researchers emphasize, however, that the data show an association and do not mean that the consumption of these drinks, alone, is responsible for the development of gastric cancer.
“Stomach cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death worldwide, but very little is known about how diet may contribute to this disease,” the authors stated.
The research also evaluated the presence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, known as one of the main risk factors for stomach cancer. According to the data presented, 940 participants were analyzed in this aspect, and more than a third had the infection.
What can increase your risk of stomach cancer?
Gastric cancer tends to be more common after the age of 50 and affects more men than women. Several factors are associated with an increased risk of the disease.
Sex
Men have a higher risk of developing gastric cancer. Studies investigate, among other hypotheses, whether hormonal factors can help explain this difference.
Excess salt
A diet high in salt is also associated with the risk of stomach cancer, especially when this eating pattern begins at an early age.
Preserved foods, processed meats, sausages and very salty products can damage the stomach lining and promote changes in the tissue.
Nitrous compounds
Exposure to certain nitrous substances present in food, smoke and other environmental sources is also studied for their possible relationship with precancerous changes in the stomach.
Processed meats
Sausages, bacon, ham, jerky and other processed products also deserve attention.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), linked to the World Health Organization, classifies processed meats as carcinogenic to humans, with evidence of an association with certain types of cancer.
Obesity, cigarettes and alcohol
Obesity, smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages are also among the factors associated with a higher risk of gastric cancer.
Occupational exposure
Workers exposed to certain agents in sectors such as coal mining, metal processing and the rubber industry may also be at increased risk.
H. pylori and Epstein-Barr virus
Infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori is one of the best-known factors related to stomach cancer. It can cause prolonged inflammation and progressive changes in the gastric mucosa.
The Epstein-Barr virus, known for causing infectious mononucleosis, is also associated with a portion of gastric tumors. Estimates indicate that between 5% and 10% of stomach cancer cases worldwide may be related to the virus.
The study on sugary drinks reinforces that diet may be one of the factors involved in the risk of the disease, but it must be analyzed together with genetic, infectious, environmental and lifestyle factors.
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