Cancer is not a simple disease; instead, it is a large group of conditions that can affect any part of the body. Various factors can contribute to the development of cancer. Though genetics and family history have their role in cancer, external factors like lifestyle and eating habits have an even more significant impact. Diet is considered an important factor in cancer. Some foods are associated with many diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, increasing the risk of certain types of cancer. Other foods contain cancer-causing substances known as carcinogens that can cause cancer. Studies have shown that from packaged food to adulterated fresh produce, they create an imbalance in the body and lead to various health-related issues. Following food items can directly expose you to different cancer types and should be avoided.
Processed meat
Meat that is preserved by smoking, salting, canning, or adding chemical preservatives is called processed meat. Most processed meats are red meats such as hot dogs, salami, sausage, ham, corned beef, and beef jerky. Carcinogens are formed when processed meat is preserved, e.g., curing meat with nitrite can form N-nitroso compounds which are carcinogenic. Smoking meat also produces carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Processed meat is a significant risk factor for stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer.Soda & Soft Drink
Soda & Soft Drink usually contains carbonated water and a sweetener. The sweeteners added to diet drinks can be sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice, or a sugar substitute. When consumed in excess, they add up to a ton of calories and sugar and may lead to weight gain, diabetes, and heart problems. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), obesity is also a known risk for cancer development. According to a study, it has been found that drinking even a small amount of sugary drinks each day increased the risk of cancer by 18 percent. In contrast, a similar consumption level among women was linked to a 22 percent rise in the risk of breast cancer. New research suggests that sweetened sodas, sports drinks, and even 100% fruit juice may increase the risk of some cancers.Canned food
Canning is the most common way of preserving foods by packing them in airtight containers for a long duration. Canning helps increase the shelf life of food and makes it safe to consume for many years. Some common canned foods are fruits, vegetables, beans, soups, sauces, meats, and seafood. Canned food may contain BPA (bisphenol-A), a chemical that is often used in food packaging. Studies show that the BPA in canned food can migrate from the can's lining into the food it contains. In one study, participants who consumed one serving of canned soup daily for five days experienced a significant increase in BPA levels in their urine. Studies show a link between BPA and health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and male sexual dysfunction. BPA can interfere with the body's natural production of sex hormones, increasing the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer.Pickled Food
Pickling is preserving perishable foods for a more extended period by either anaerobic fermentation in brine or immersion in vinegar. The pickling process has been found to increase nitrates, salt, and artificial color in food and is directly linked to stomach and colon cancers. WHO has listed pickled vegetables as a possible carcinogen. According to the British Journal of Cancer, pickles increase the risk of oesophageal cancer. A 2009 study found a heavy infestation of pickled vegetables with fungi that facilitate the formation of N-nitroso compounds, leading to oesophageal carcinoma. Studies show a link between fumonisin & mycotoxins found in pickled food and liver & kidney tumours. A 2017 study in the Chinese Journal of Cancer has linked salted vegetables to a fourfold increase in nasopharynx cancer. The researchers believe possible mechanisms include the production of nitrosamines (a type of N-nitroso compound) by activation of Epstein–Barr virus in fermented pickles.White flour
The processed form of grain, including refined white flour used in bread, pasta, etc., can increase blood sugar levels, leading to insulin resistance. This can raise the risk of colon cancer and other cancers like kidney cancer. During flour processing, the white colour comes from a blast of chlorine gas. It has a very high glycemic index, which increases blood glucose and insulin levels. Besides, white flour foods do not have as much fiber as whole grain foods. Choosing whole-grain bread, pasta, and oats can increase fiber intake and reduce colon cancer risk.Fried foods
Fried starchy foods such as french fries and potato chips are exceptionally high in acrylamide, which is carcinogenic. According to a study, acrylamide damages DNA and induces apoptosis or cell death. Excess consumption of fried food also increases the risk of diabetes and obesity, further increasing cancer risk.Microwave popcorn
The microwave bag, in which popcorn is prepared, is lined with Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which may cause cancer of the pancreas, kidney, liver, and bladder. When corns are cooked in the bag, PFOA coats the corns along with the artificial trans-fat present in butter. When cooked on a gas stove or traditional chulha, popcorn does not cause any harm and proves to be a healthy snack.Alcohol
Excess alcohol consumption damages the liver and increases the pressure on the kidneys. The liver breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde, which is a carcinogenic compound. According to a study done in 2017, acetaldehyde promotes DNA damage and oxidative stress. It also interferes with immune function and decreases the immunity of the body. According to a 2015 study, in women, alcohol increases oestrogen levels in the body, linked with a higher risk for oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. It has been found that excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, oesophagus, liver, colon, and rectum.Disclaimer:
This content is for information and educational purposes only and should not be perceived as medical advice. Please consult a certified medical or healthcare professional before making any decision regarding your health using the content above.