Sugar and Cancer

Much research has been done to determine whether there is a link between sugar and cancer. Plenty of research is available that demonstrates that sugar, when consumed in large quantities, can be toxic to the body. 

The primary effect that sugar has on the body is that it can cause obesity and overweight, interfering with the body’s ability to metabolize glucose. The extent to which sugar may be linked to cancer however, may still remain a mystery. 

The Cancer Connection

Each year millions of people are diagnosed with cancer. Over 12 million cases of cancer in fact, are diagnosed annually throughout the world, and that number may continue to grow and climb if more causes and treatments for cancer are not found in the near future. 

Studies have been conducted that demonstrate that some cancer cells do find glucose to be a fuel for them to grow. As sugar can fuel glucose metabolism, this suggests that eating less sugar may cause cancer growth to slow down. While this does not suggest that stopping consumption of sugar may be a cure for cancer, it does suggest a possible link between sugar consumption and cancer growth. 

Less sugar consumption may help cancer to spread less invasively, simply because it is not being given as much fuel to feed on, in a form that is easily usable. While other forms of food can supply glucose, no food provides it as readily as sugar does. 

Where does sugar hide? In modern society, sugar is in many different foods, not just in table sugar. Thanks to processing, sugar may be hiding where you least expect it. Some foods that commonly contain high levels of sugar may include processed foods including meats, juices, soda, sports drinks, nutrition or energy bars and even nutritional supplements. 

If you have cancer, or suspect a diagnosis, it may pay to cut back on sugar consumption to give those cancer cells less fuel to use while doctors use technology to combat this deadly disease.