Doctor says 1 thing boosts cancer risk and it's not sugar

 Sometimes, you can't help but worry about your wellbeing, and one thing on some people's minds is cancer and what causes it. Over the years, many of us have been told both truths and myths about the dreaded disease, but there are some things you need to know that could aid in bettering your health.

Dr Emil Gadimali, founder of CutKilo, which has hundreds of followers on Instagram, said some people actually fear eating some foods due to rumours that have circulated. However, he recently took the time to tell us exactly what we need to know, and the expert advice comes at a good time, as World Cancer Day actually takes place today (February 4).

It's not the only vital information that's been shared about cancer either. A few months ago, another doctor highlighted how five habits can impact health too.

From burnt toast to fizzy drinks and microwave meals, food misconceptions about diet and cancer are everywhere. But doctors say focusing on the wrong things can distract us from the lifestyle factors that actually matter most.

"People often worry that one specific food will cause cancer," said Dr Emil. "In reality, cancer risk is shaped by long-term patterns over years, not a single meal or ingredient."

The foods people often blame

There is evidence that red meat and alcohol are linked to a higher risk of cancer, and processed meat is one of the few food groups with strong evidence linking regular consumption to bowel cancer and potentially other cancers.

"There is good evidence that regularly eating processed meats like bacon, sausages, ham and salami is linked to a higher risk of bowel cancer," the doctor added. “That’s very different from saying the occasional bacon sandwich will cause cancer."

Sugar is another common concern. "Sugar doesn’t directly cause cancer, and the idea that cancer cells ‘feed on sugar’ is a myth," he said. "However, diets high in sugary foods and drinks like fizzy drinks, sweets and pastries can contribute to weight gain, and excess weight does increase cancer risk."

Ultra-processed foods, including ready meals, packaged snacks and takeaways, are often blamed too. "Quite surprisingly, there isn’t strong evidence that ultra-processed foods directly cause cancer," Dr Emil added.

"The issue is that they’re often high in fat, salt and sugar, which can lead to obesity over time. Despite the scare stories, good quality studies in humans haven’t shown a clear link between eating burnt food, such as charred toast, and cancer."

Other myths people worry about unnecessarily include GM foods, microwaved meals and food stored in plastic containers.

The risk people underestimate

According to Dr Emil, excess weight is one of the biggest overlooked cancer risks. "Being overweight and obesity are the second biggest preventable cause of cancer in the UK," he said.

Being overweight is linked to at least 13 cancers, including breast, bowel, liver, pancreatic and kidney cancer. In some cases, the risk is doubled.

"Excess fat cells constantly send out signals which release extra growth hormones and sex hormones and increase levels of inflammation," he explained. "This encourages cells to divide more often than normal, which increases cancer risk."

What actually lowers cancer risk?

Doctors say the most effective steps are well established and include maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, limiting alcohol, protecting your skin from UV exposure, eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit, pulses, nuts and wholegrains and taking up HPV prevention options where appropriate.

"The bottom line is simple," continued Dr Emil. "Focus on proven cancer risks, not food myths. Consistent, long-term habits matter far more than worrying about individual foods."

It's worth noting that nothing can totally prevent cancer risk. However, if you're worried about your health at all, contact your GP for advice.