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SUGAR & CANCER

Dr. James Dennis C. Gumpal, M.D., J.D.

Read time: ~3-5 minutes

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Table sugar is the regular sugar you use every day, and it's called sucrose. Sucrose is made of two simpler sugars: glucose and fructose.

 

When you eat sugar, your body breaks it down into these two parts, and they are used by your body for energy. Most of the table sugar you use comes from sugar cane, the most common form of sugar found in Filipino homes and used in food products.

 

Sugar does not cause cancer. It however is used by cancer cells in ways that promote its growth and proliferation.​​

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Here’s an overview of how each sugar affects cancer:

Donuts halo’ed with fruits and flowers_e
cancer cell.jpg
cancer cell.jpg

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​Promotes Cell Proliferation

 

High glucose levels can help cancer cells grow and divide quickly. When there is plenty of glucose available, cancer cells can create important building blocks like nucleotides, lipids, and amino acids, which they need to support their growth and division.

 

This means that more sugar can lead to faster cancer growth, as it provides the energy and materials that cancer cells require to multiply.

GLUCOSE AND CANCER

 

Energy Source for Cancer Cells 

 

Cancer cells need a lot of energy to grow fast, and they rely on glucose for that energy. This process is called the Warburg effect. Unlike normal cells, which use oxygen to make energy efficiently, cancer cells prefer a less efficient method called glycolysis, even when oxygen is available. This causes cancer cells to take in and use more glucose than normal cells to fuel their rapid growth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Inflammation and Insulin Resistance

 

Eating a lot of sugar can cause long-lasting inflammation and lead to insulin resistance, both of which can increase the risk of cancer. Insulin resistance is when your body's cells have a harder time using insulin, a hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into cells for energy. As a result, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. The body tries to make more insulin to compensate, but over time, this can lead to health issues like type 2 diabetes.

 

Insulin and substances similar to it, known as insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), can help cancer cells grow by activating pathways that promote their multiplication and prevent them from dying when they should.

 

In simple terms, a high-sugar diet can create conditions in the body that make it easier for cancer to develop and thrive.

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FRUCTOSE AND CANCER

Fructose is processed differently from glucose. While glucose is used by cells all over the body, fructose is mainly broken down in the liver. This unique way of processing fructose can lead to fat production and the creation of substances like lactate and uric acid, which can help cancer cells grow.
 
Fructose can actually encourage cancer cells to grow more aggressively than glucose because it skips over some steps that normally regulate glucose processing. Studies have shown that fructose can boost DNA synthesis, making it easier for cancer cells to multiply.

Like glucose, fructose can also help cancer cells grow by enhancing a process called glycolysis, which is important for energy production. This process allows cancer cells to survive even when there's not enough oxygen and gives them a quick source of energy.

High sugar levels can also encourage the growth of new blood vessels. These new blood vessels provide oxygen and nutrients to the growing tumor, helping it thrive.

Additionally, eating a lot of sugar can lead to changes in gene expression, known as epigenetic modifications. These changes can make cells more likely to become cancerous.

What to do?

To avoid sugar and help prevent the growth of cancer cells, consider these simple strategies:

Limit Added Sugars: Cut back on sugary drinks, snacks, and desserts. Read food labels to identify added sugars, which are often found in processed foods. Choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains instead.

Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This helps provide essential nutrients and antioxidants that support your body’s health and may reduce cancer risk.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water instead of sugary beverages. This not only reduces sugar intake but also helps your body function properly.

Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activity regularly. Exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of cancer by improving insulin sensitivity and lowering inflammation.

Manage Stress: Chronic stress can affect your health. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation or spending time in nature. Leave your anxieties to God who is in control. 
"Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

Limit Processed Foods: Processed foods often contain hidden sugars and unhealthy fats. Try to prepare meals at home using fresh ingredients.

Regular Health Check-ups: Regular screenings and check-ups can help detect any health issues early, allowing for better management and prevention.

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For more detailed tips and information on how diet and lifestyle choices can impact cancer risk, you can refer to these sources:
 
The American Cancer Society provides guidance on cancer prevention through diet and exercise.
A comprehensive look at the relationship between sugar and cancer can be found in a review by the National Cancer Institute here.

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