Can packaged juices or fizzy drinks cause cancer? Top oncologists reveal the truth

Packaged juices

and

fizzy drinks

, which are packed with sugar, artificial additives, and preservatives, may be convenient and tasty, but if consumed in excess, they can be extremely harmful to your health. Recent research points to a possible connection between these beverages and a higher risk of developing chronic conditions, such as

cancer

. The emphasis is on unhealthy components that can lead to inflammation, obesity, and other cancer-related disorders, such as high sugar content, artificial sweeteners, and chemical additives.
Sugar intake and cancer do not have a direct cause-and-effect relationship. However, obesity and inflammation are. And hence this has to be looked at in the right context to not misconstrue and send the right message. Packaged juices and sweetened beverages, such as sodas, contain high levels of added sugars like sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup, which significantly contribute to obesity—a leading risk factor for cancer.

Here’s what the research says

Sugar-sweetened beverages

increase obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance, all of which are already known causes of cancer. Such concerns are supported by a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis published in The BMJ stating that drinking only 100 milliliters of sugar-sweetened products increases the overall risk of cancer by 18%. The study also highlighted an increased risk of breast cancer by 22%, especially after menopause.

According to the findings of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), sugar-sweetened beverages can cause metabolic changes that promote cancer. Backing this, a 2023 study in Nature Reviews Cancer explained that fructose consumed in packaged juices interferes with the energy metabolism of tumor cells, promoting their growth and spread.
Men are also not safe; the risks are just as severe. According to a study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in 2022, men who often consume sugary beverages have their risk of getting the aggressive form of prostate cancer boosted by 25%. Likewise, an increased consumption of sugar is associated with an increased risk of bowel cancer. A study conducted and published in Gut in 2023 showed that the subjects who consumed two or more sweetened products per day had a 32% increased chance of getting bowel cancer.
These drinks can drive obesity-related issues such as insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and metabolic changes that promote tumor growth. Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that the regular consumption of these sugary beverages creates an environment in the body conducive to the development of cancers, including breast, prostate, and colorectal types.

Sugary drinks impact on breast cancer

According to Dr. Sewanti Limaye, director, Medical Oncology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, “For breast cancer, a 22% higher risk is associated with consuming an additional 100 mL of sugary drinks daily. The high fructose content in packaged juices can alter estrogen and insulin levels, potentially stimulating cancerous cell growth.”

Sugary drinks impact on prostate cancer

Regarding prostate cancer, excessive sugar intake fosters insulin resistance and inflammation, with studies revealing a slight but meaningful connection between frequent sugary drink consumption and this cancer type.

Sugary drinks impact on colorectal cancer

For colorectal cancer, the effects of sugar intake are linked to increased abdominal fat and chronic inflammation, though direct evidence connecting sugary beverages to colorectal cancer is somewhat inconsistent.

A critical distinction exists between packaged juices and whole fruits. Whole fruits, rich in natural sugars, also contain fiber that moderates sugar absorption and prevents insulin spikes. In contrast, packaged juices lack fiber and deliver a concentrated sugar load, akin to other sugar-sweetened beverages.

Prevention strategies for cancer

Dr. Sunit Lokwani (Consultant, Medical Oncologist & Haematologist, HCG Hospitals, Indore) recommends limiting sugary drink consumption, including 100% fruit juices, as part of cancer prevention strategies. Additionally, policy interventions such as taxes on sugary beverages and restrictions on their marketing have been proposed to reduce their consumption and associated health risks. Choosing alternatives like water, unsweetened beverages, or whole fruits is a practical step toward mitigating these risks. Healthy, unprocessed food intake is the way of life that we should all imbibe.

These findings are concerning, and governments from different parts of the world are now trying to reduce the intake of sugar through policies such as taxes as well as new and improved labels. But health experts still emphasize that individual decisions are critical in the matter.
Reducing or avoiding these drinks and replacing them with water or any beverage that does not contain added sugars is such a significant way of avoiding cancer. With more supporting proof available, it becomes important to bring more attention towards the risks posed by the consumption of sugary products. Knowledge of these risks and decisions means help in the protection against cancer and an increase in the overall quality of people.
This emerging research underlines the need for the change of eating habits to healthier ones. When packaged juices and sweetened drinks are put under the spotlight, the specialists expect major changes to take place in the people’s behaviour.