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Recent research indicates a concerning link between certain beverages and an increased risk of ‘metastasis’ in colorectal cancer patients. Metastasis is the spread of cancer from its primary site, complicating treatment efforts.
Conducted by the University of Texas, the study explored how glucose, fructose, and their combination might influence advanced colorectal cancer using sophisticated lab models. Both sugars occur naturally in fruits and vegetables but are also frequently added to processed foods.
Alarmingly, the study found that these sugars together enhance the mobility of cancer cells, hastening their spread to the liver—a common site for colorectal cancer to metastasize. The researchers warned that glucose-fructose mixtures are common in sweetened drinks, such as fruit juices, energy drinks, and sodas.
Assistant Professor Jihye Yun noted, “Our results underscore the importance of diet in cancer risk and the progression of the disease. Although more research is necessary, these findings suggest that reducing sugary drink intake, targeting SORD, or repurposing statins might benefit colorectal cancer patients.”
This new research builds on prior work by Assistant Professor Yun, which showed that even small amounts of sugary drinks can directly speed up tumour development in early-stage colorectal cancer, independently of obesity—a well-known major risk factor.
It is also important to consider that consumption of simple sugars significantly raises the risk of other serious cancers. For example, the University of Florida has suggested that glycogen might promote the growth of larger, more aggressive lung tumors.
Earlier this year, Associate Professor Dr Ramon Sun, who worked on the project, said: “Lung cancer has not traditionally been thought of as a dietary-related disease. Diseases like pancreatic cancer or liver cancer, yes.
“However, when it comes to lung cancer, the idea that diet could play a role is rarely discussed.” He later added: “In the long term, our approach to cancer prevention should mirror the success of the anti-smoking campaign — placing greater emphasis on public awareness and policy-driven strategies that promote healthier dietary choices as a fundamental component of disease prevention.”
In light of the recent Texas-based research, scientists similarly agree that current dietary guidelines should be reexamined, especially for patients already diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Right now, many cancer patients are reportedly encouraged to consume drinks containing high levels of glucose and fructose to meet their nutritional needs.
What are cancer risk factors?
In the majority of instances, it remains unclear why one individual might develop cancer whilst another does not. Nevertheless, Macmillan Cancer Support clarifies that particular risk factors can heighten a person’s overall likelihood.
Typically, these encompass, but are not restricted to:
- Lifestyle factors – these include your weight, your diet, smoking habits, how active you are, and alcohol consumption, among other things.
- Family history – some cancers are more common in certain families.
- Age – the likelihood rises as you become older.
Advice from Macmillan adds: “Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely get cancer. Some factors only increase your risk a small amount. Others are much more likely to cause cancer, such as smoking. You can still develop cancer even if you do not have any known risk factors.”
For more information, head to Macmillan’s website here.
