Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men, with more than 194,000 new cases diagnosed every year in the United States alone.

While genetics, age, and family history all play a role in the development of prostate cancer, lifestyle factors can also increase the risk. One of these factors is the consumption of certain beverages.

1. Soda

Soda is one of the most popular beverages in the world, but it may increase your risk of prostate cancer.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that men who drank one or more sugary sodas per day had a 23% higher risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer compared to men who drank less than one soda per month. The study also found that men who drank more than two diet sodas per day had a 26% higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

2. Energy drinks

Energy drinks are often marketed to young adults and athletes as a way to improve concentration and performance. However, they can also increase the risk of prostate cancer.

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that men who consumed energy drinks had a 24% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who did not consume these beverages.

3. Alcohol

Alcohol consumption has been associated with a higher risk of several types of cancer, including prostate cancer.

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology found that men who consumed more than two drinks per day had a 23% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who drank less than one drink per day. The study also found that men who binge drank (defined as consuming five or more drinks in one sitting) had a 20% higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

4. Fruit juice

Fruit juice may seem like a healthy beverage choice, but it can also increase the risk of prostate cancer.

A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that men who drank more than three servings of fruit juice per week had a 14% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who drank less than one serving per week. The study also found that men who drank more than one serving of grapefruit juice per week had a 26% higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

5. Milk

Milk is a common beverage in many households, but it may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that men who consumed more than two and a half servings of dairy per day had a 34% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who consumed less than one serving per day. The study also found that men who consumed high-fat dairy products had a higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who consumed low-fat dairy products.

6. Sweetened iced tea

Sweetened iced tea is a popular beverage in the summer months, but it may also increase the risk of prostate cancer.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that men who drank more than one and a half servings of sweetened iced tea per day had a 16% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who drank less than half a serving per day. The study also found that men who drank unsweetened tea did not have an increased risk of prostate cancer.

7. Sports drinks

Sports drinks are often marketed as a way to replenish electrolytes and improve athletic performance, but they can also increase the risk of prostate cancer.

A study published in the British Journal of Cancer found that men who drank sports drinks had a 31% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who did not consume these beverages.

8. Hot tea

Hot tea is a popular beverage worldwide, but it may also increase the risk of prostate cancer.

A study published in the British Journal of Cancer found that men who drank hot tea (defined as tea served at a temperature of 65 degrees Celsius or higher) had a 50% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who drank warm or lukewarm tea (defined as tea served at a temperature below 65 degrees Celsius).

9. Water

Water is essential for good health, but could it increase the risk of prostate cancer? A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that men who drank more than seven cups of water per day had a 11% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who drank less than four cups per day. However, it is important to note that this study only found an association and not a causal relationship.

10. Coffee

Coffee is a popular beverage worldwide, but does it increase the risk of prostate cancer? The answer is complicated.

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that men who drank six or more cups of coffee per day had a 18% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who did not drink coffee. However, another study published in Cancer Causes and Control found that men who drank more than three cups of coffee per day had a 50% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who did not drink coffee.

More research is needed to understand the relationship between coffee and prostate cancer.

Conclusion

While genetics, age, and family history play a major role in the development of prostate cancer, lifestyle factors such as diet and beverage consumption can also play a role.

Avoiding sugary sodas, energy drinks, and alcohol, limiting dairy consumption, and choosing unsweetened beverages can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.