According to a recent medical study released Thursday, drinking a can of sugary soda a day could increase the tumor growth of colon cancers.
The study was conducted on mice. The researchers at Weill Cornell and New York-Presbyterian gave mice, who were susceptible to colon cancer, doses of high-fructose corn syrup for up to eight weeks, which are equivalent to drinking a can of soda.
The mice that consumed the syrup developed large tumors of colon cancer than mice that were not given the syrup.
The results of the study were published in a medical journal called Science.
However, the researchers said more studies are required to see whether consuming fructose-rich corn syrup actually promotes tumor growth in humans.
Dr. Lewis Cantley, the co-author of the study, said, “The study shows that colorectal polyps feed on high-fructose corn syrup and explains the molecular mechanism by which this drives the growth of the tumor. While our work was conducted in mice, our findings build on mounting evidence that sugar fuels cancer growth.”
Considering the promising results of the study, researchers advised people to avoid drinking sugary sodas, especially who already have colorectal cancer or those who are at high risk.
Lead author Dr. Marcus Goncalves said, “If you are predisposed to getting polyps, you should not be drinking any sugar-sweetened beverages. If you have colorectal cancer, you could be feeding your tumor by drinking high-fructose corn syrup.”
Several studies have found that drinking soda and other sweetened beverages containing high-fructose corn syrup leads to obesity and diabetes.
Researchers said that colon cancer rates have increased since the 1980s. Other studies have found that diets rich in processed meat and low in fiber increase the risk of colon cancer.
