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Cancer has become the leading cause of death across the country with an increased rate every year. 

Cancer is caused due to many factors like mutation, environmental factors, diet, lifestyle, etc.  Among them, diet and lifestyle are some of the important factors that increase the risk of cancer. Though, the link between diet and cancer risk is complicated. But according to research, the data suggest that there is an association between dietary patterns and food choices with an increased risk of cancer. Let’s check out how diet may influence cancer risk.

Foods and diets linked to cancer risk

Red and processed meats

Scientists know there is a strong link between processed meat intake and certain types of cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 2015, classified: 

• Processed meat - carcinogenic and 
• Unprocessed red meat - “probably” carcinogenic.
• The heme iron found in red and processed meats may also have a toxic effect on cells.

Previous research also found that increasing intake of processed meat i.e. up to about 60 grams (g) per day and red meat up to 150 g per day increased the risk of colorectal cancer by about 20% and intake of this diet is also associated with increased risk of stomach and breast cancer.

Ultra-processed foods 

Ultra-processed foods also contain many carcinogenic compounds formed during processing, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines. These foods include high-fructose corn syrup, flavor enhancers, artificial sweeteners, and thickeners, savory snack foods, soda and energy drinks, breakfast cereals, reconstituted meat products, frozen pizzas, candy, etc. also increased by 12% the risk of many cancers and 11% the risk of breast cancer. As per the research. 

Apart from cancer, these foods also increased the risk of many other chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, etc. So, it is advisable to limit consumption of ultra-processed products

High-salt diets

A diet high in added salt may increase the risk of certain cancers like stomach cancer and esophageal cancer. According to the research, high salt intake will increase the risk of infection caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

Also, intake of high-salt foods may lead to the production of N-nitroso compounds (NOCs), which is carcinogenic to humans.

Beverages

According to the study, hot beverages with a temperature over 149°F (65°C) are “probably” carcinogenic to humans and thus may increase cancer risk and people who usually drank very hot or hot beverages were almost twice as likely to develop esophageal cancer than those who usually consumed warm or cold drinks.

Other possible dietary risk factors

The IARC identified several other dietary factors that may lead to cancer progression. This includes 

• A high glycemic diet- such as white bread, white rice, etc. may increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
• Foods like nuts, grains, dry fruits- Aflatoxin is a compound produced by a fungus that grows in these foods and stored in hot and damp conditions. According to the IARC, aflatoxin is carcinogenic, which may increase the risk of gallbladder cancer and liver cancer.
• Diet and Lifestyle that can reduce the risk of chronic disease risk: before sticking to any diet pattern, one should quit some cancer risk factors, such as cigarette smoking or excessive drinking, which may counteract the potential protective effects of diet.

Avoiding smoking, reducing alcohol intake, managing body weight, and being active, are critical to reducing cancer risk.

According to the research, nutritional choices can also have a protective effect against cancer. This includes the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Diets high in fruits, vegetables, and another fiber-rich plant which contain compounds that help protect against cellular damage and thus reduce the risk of cancer. 

Diet rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and plant compound is essential for overall health and cancer risk reduction.

Reduce the intake of processed and red meats, ultra-processed foods, and added sugars and salt may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and many other chronic conditions.

The bottom line

According to much research, many factors influence the risk of developing cancer like some dietary patterns lifestyle, which may increase the chance of developing certain cancers. Foods like ultra-processed foods, processed meat products, diets high in added salt, and drinking scalding beverages may increase the risk of cancer development but there are many diet patterns and lifestyles, which also help reduce a person’s risk of developing certain cancers and thus improve overall health.