Sugary beverages are already linked to several health concerns, and a new study has raised another question: could frequent consumption also be associated with a higher risk of stomach cancer?
The research, published in Gastro Hep Advances, followed more than 112,000 health professionals in the US and recorded 278 cases of gastric cancer during more than 3.2 million person-years of follow-up.
What Did the Study Find?
Researchers found that people who consumed more than one sugar-sweetened beverage per day had a 2.45-times higher incidence of gastric cancer compared with those who consumed less than one serving a month.
The association remained after researchers accounted for factors including body weight, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, physical activity and overall diet.
However, this does not mean sugary drinks have been proven to cause stomach cancer.
Why the Finding Needs Caution
The study was observational, meaning researchers observed participants’ existing habits rather than assigning them to drink sugary beverages. Such research can identify associations but cannot establish that one factor directly causes another.
The researchers also had limited information about some important factors, including Helicobacter pylori infection, family history and the exact location of stomach tumours. Most participants were from predominantly White US populations, so the findings cannot automatically be applied to Indians.
Stomach Cancer Has Multiple Risk Factors
Cancer specialist Dr Rupjyoti Sarma stressed that sugary drinks should not be considered in isolation.
Stomach cancer risk can also be influenced by age, family history, excess body weight, smoking, dietary patterns and chronic H. pylori infection. The American Cancer Society identifies H. pylori, tobacco use, alcohol, excess body weight and certain dietary patterns among recognised risk factors.
Should You Stop Drinking Sugary Beverages?
Cutting back on sugary drinks is generally a sensible dietary choice, particularly because they can contribute substantial amounts of added sugar without providing much nutritional value.
But this study alone should not be interpreted as proof that drinking a particular beverage will cause cancer. More research is needed to understand whether the observed association is causal and what biological mechanisms might explain it.
The Bottom Line
The new findings add to the growing discussion around sugary beverages and long-term health. For now, the practical approach is simple: limit sugary drinks, maintain a balanced diet and pay attention to established stomach-cancer risk factors rather than focusing on a single food or beverage.