Stop Eating These 7 Foods That Cause Cancer—Oncologists Warn You!

If you’re like me, you care about what goes into your body. We all want to eat well and stay healthy, right? But here’s something that might surprise you—some of the foods we eat every day could actually increase our cancer risk. Shocking, I know. Oncologists, the cancer experts, have been sounding the alarm on certain foods that you might want to steer clear of. So, talk about the seven foods that could be putting your health at risk.

Processed Meats Are Packed With Cancer-Causing Chemicals

You know those delicious slices of bacon, sausages, ham, bacon, salami, and deli meats that many of us can’t resist? Well, oncologists warn that these processed meats are loaded with preservatives like nitrates and nitrites, which can increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Processed meats are considered Group 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization, meaning there’s strong evidence that they cause cancer in humans.

And it doesn’t end there. Cooking these meats at high temperatures—like grilling or frying—creates even more harmful chemicals that can damage your DNA and lead to cancer.

Sugary Drinks and Sweets Can Lead to Obesity and Cancer

Let’s face it—we all love a sweet treat now and then. But here’s the catch: consuming too much sugar, especially in the form of sugary drinks and sweets, can lead to obesity, which is a major risk factor for cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that obesity-related cancers account for about 40% of all cancer cases in the U.S. each year.

When you indulge in sugary drinks and snacks, your insulin levels spike, leading to chronic inflammation—a known driver of cancer. Instead of reaching for that soda or a candy bar, how about grabbing a piece of fruit or some nuts?

Fried Foods Are High in Cancer-Linked Acrylamide

Who doesn’t love a good plate of fries or some crispy fried chicken? But here’s the thing—frying foods at high temperatures creates a chemical called acrylamide, which has been linked to cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer considers acrylamide a probable human carcinogen.

The longer you fry starchy foods like potatoes, the more acrylamide is produced. This chemical can damage your DNA and cause mutations that lead to cancer. While it’s tempting to indulge in fried foods, consider baking or air frying instead.

Red Meat Consumption Is Linked to Colorectal Cancer

Red meat is a go-to for many of us, whether it’s a juicy steak, a pork chop, or a lamb roast. However, research has shown that eating red meat can increase your risk of colorectal cancer. The heme iron in red meat can damage the lining of your colon, leading to cancer, per the National Library of Medicine‘s resource.

Cooking red meat at high temperatures can produce harmful chemicals that contribute to cancer risk. While you don’t need to give up red meat entirely, consider cutting back and choosing leaner cuts or plant-based proteins like beans and lentils.

Alcohol Consumption Is Tied to Several Types of Cancer

You might enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail after a long day, but here’s the reality—alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colon cancer. When you drink alcohol, your body breaks it down into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can damage your DNA and increase your cancer risk.

Plus, alcohol can raise estrogen levels in women, which is a known risk factor for breast cancer. Even moderate drinking can be harmful, so cutting back on alcohol is a smart move for your health.

Artificial Sweeteners Aren’t Necessarily a Safe Bet

If you’ve switched to artificial sweeteners to cut down on sugar, you might want to rethink that choice. Some artificial sweeteners, like saccharin, have been linked to cancer in lab animals, raising concerns about their safety for humans.

While the FDA says most artificial sweeteners are safe, some research suggests they might still pose risks, especially in large amounts. If you’re looking for a sugar alternative, natural options like stevia or monk fruit might be a better choice.

Processed Foods Are Loaded With Cancer-Causing Additives

We all love the convenience of processed foods, but they’re often loaded with preservatives, artificial colors, and other additives that have been linked to cancer. For example, sodium nitrite, a common preservative, can form cancer-causing compounds when cooked.

Processed foods are also typically high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt, all of which can contribute to obesity and cancer. Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help reduce your cancer risk and improve your overall health.

Taking Control of Your Diet Is a Powerful Way to Reduce Cancer Risk

The food choices you make every day have a significant impact on your health, and by limiting these foods, you can lower your cancer risk. But it’s not just about limiting certain foods—it’s also about adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, getting regular exercise, and reducing your stress.