Quick Take: Sugary drink consumption and risk of cancer: results from NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort

It has been well established that the consumption of sugary drinks is linked to an increased risk of weight gain, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The association between sugary drink consumption and cancer, however, has been less investigated. NutriNet-Santé is a French, web-based cohort, that was established in 2009 with the aim of studying associations between nutrition and health. In this prospective cohort study, 101,257 participants age 18 years and older were followed up for a median time of 5.1 years to assess associations between the consumption of sugary drinks, artificially sweetened beverages, and the risk of cancer. Researchers found that the consumption of sugary drinks was significantly associated with the risk of overall cancer (sub-distribution HR for 100mL/d increase 1.18, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.27, p<0.0001) and breast cancer (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.39, p=0.004). No association was detected for prostate and colorectal cancers. The consumption of 100% fruit juice was also significantly associated with the risk of overall cancer (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.23, p=0.007). This study demonstrates that consumption of sugary drinks is associated with an increased risk of overall cancer, and breast cancer, specifically. It should help inform further research and policy regarding public health issues surrounding sugary beverages.

Click to read the study in the BMJ (British Medical Journal)

Image: PD

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