Consuming sugary beverages, including 100% fruit juice, may boost your risk of developing cancer. That was the eye-opening conclusion of a new study from France.

For this evaluation, scientists followed the diets and cancer incidence of 101,257 healthy French adults for up to 9 years. Over the course of the study, 2,193 first cases of cancer developed in the study subjects. Analysis revealed a significant association between sugary drink consumption, including 100% fruit juices, and a greater overall cancer risk. Specifically, for every 1-liter daily increase in sugary beverage consumption, the risk of overall cancer increased 18% and the risk of breast cancer increased 22%. Given that sugary beverages are known to drive up levels of pro-inflammatory chemicals, as well as visceral (belly) fat, both known cancer drivers, these findings are not surprising.

If you are one of the 120 million Americans still consuming sugary beverages on a regular basis, I hope this study gives you motivation to stop. For additional incentive, keep in mind that sugary beverages are a conclusive driver of weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay. BMJ, 2019; l2408 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.l2408

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