Cancer is a devastating disease that affects millions of people around the world. While there are many causes of cancer, diet plays a significant role in the development and progression of the disease.

Certain foods, especially those that are high in inflammation-promoting compounds, can increase cancer risk and support the growth of cancer cells. Here are 30 inflammatory foods that promote cancer growth:.

1. Processed Meats

Processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs, and sausages are high in sodium, nitrates, and preservatives, all of which can increase inflammation and contribute to cancer growth.

Studies have linked processed meat consumption to an increased risk of colorectal, stomach, and pancreatic cancer.

2. Red Meat

Red meat is rich in saturated fat and heme iron, which can stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Studies have linked red meat consumption to an increased risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.

3. Fried Foods

Fried foods are high in inflammatory compounds such as acrylamide and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can promote cancer growth. Studies have linked fried food consumption to an increased risk of lung, breast, and prostate cancer.

4. White Flour Products

White flour products such as white bread, pasta, and baked goods are high in refined carbohydrates, which can cause inflammation and contribute to cancer growth.

Studies have linked high glycemic index diets (which are high in refined carbs) to an increased risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancer.

5. Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Sugar-sweetened beverages are high in added sugars, which can increase inflammation and contribute to cancer growth. Studies have linked high sugar consumption to an increased risk of pancreatic, colorectal, and breast cancer.

6. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose can disrupt gut bacteria and increase inflammation, potentially contributing to cancer growth. Studies have linked artificial sweetener consumption to an increased risk of lymphoma and leukemia.

7. Alcohol

Alcohol consumption can increase inflammation and damage DNA, potentially contributing to cancer growth. Studies have linked alcohol consumption to an increased risk of liver, colorectal, breast, and oral cancer.

8. High-Fat Dairy Products

High-fat dairy products such as cheese and butter are high in saturated fat, which can contribute to cancer growth. Studies have linked high dairy consumption to an increased risk of prostate and ovarian cancer.

9. Canned Foods

Canned foods are often high in sodium and preservatives, which can contribute to inflammation and cancer growth. Studies have linked canned food consumption to an increased risk of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer.

10. Charred Meats

Charred meats can contain carcinogens such as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can contribute to cancer growth.

Studies have linked high consumption of grilled and charbroiled meats to an increased risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.

11. Margarine

Margarine is high in trans fats, which can contribute to inflammation and cancer growth. Studies have linked high trans fat consumption to an increased risk of breast and colorectal cancer.

12. Hydrogenated Oils

Hydrogenated oils such as vegetable shortening and partially hydrogenated soybean oil are high in trans fats, which can contribute to inflammation and cancer growth.

Studies have linked high trans fat consumption to an increased risk of breast and colorectal cancer.

13. Refined Vegetable Oils

Refined vegetable oils such as canola, corn, and soybean oil are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation and cancer growth. Studies have linked high omega-6 intake to an increased risk of breast and prostate cancer.

14. Processed Snacks

Processed snacks such as chips and crackers are often high in refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to inflammation and cancer growth.

Related Article The Top Cancer-Causing Foods to Avoid

Studies have linked high snack consumption to an increased risk of endometrial and pancreatic cancer.

15. Microwave Popcorn

Microwave popcorn often contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which can contribute to cancer growth. Studies have linked high PFOA exposure to an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer.

16. Farmed Fish

Farmed fish can contain high levels of mercury, dioxins, and other toxins that can contribute to cancer growth. Studies have linked high fish consumption to an increased risk of liver and bladder cancer.

17. Non-Organic Produce

Non-organic produce can contain pesticide residues, which can contribute to inflammation and cancer growth. Studies have linked high pesticide exposure to an increased risk of lymphoma and leukemia.

18. High-Salt Foods

High-salt foods such as pickles and canned soups can increase inflammation and contribute to cancer growth. Studies have linked high salt consumption to an increased risk of stomach cancer.

19. Soy Products

Soy products such as tofu and soy milk contain phytoestrogens, which can contribute to cancer growth. Studies have linked high soy intake to an increased risk of breast cancer.

20. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks can contain high levels of caffeine and added sugars, which can contribute to inflammation and cancer growth. Studies have linked high caffeine consumption to an increased risk of bladder and liver cancer.

21. High-Fructose Corn Syrup

High-fructose corn syrup is a type of added sugar that can contribute to inflammation and cancer growth. Studies have linked high fructose consumption to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

22. Food Additives

Food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) can contribute to inflammation and cancer growth. Studies have linked high food additive consumption to an increased risk of liver and kidney cancer.

23. Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables can contain carcinogens such as HCAs and PAHs, which can contribute to cancer growth. Studies have linked high consumption of grilled vegetables to an increased risk of colorectal and pancreatic cancer.

24. Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that can contribute to inflammation and cancer growth in some people. Studies have linked celiac disease (an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten) to an increased risk of lymphoma.

25. Dairy Alternatives

Dairy alternatives such as soy milk and almond milk can contain added sugars and other inflammatory compounds, which can contribute to cancer growth. Studies have linked high soy intake to an increased risk of breast cancer.

26. Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken and other fried chicken products can contain high levels of acrylamide and other inflammatory compounds, which can contribute to cancer growth.

Studies have linked high fried food consumption to an increased risk of lung, breast, and prostate cancer.

27. Bottled Water

Bottled water can contain toxins such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), which can contribute to cancer growth. Studies have linked high BPA exposure to an increased risk of breast and prostate cancer.

28. Vegetable Juice

Vegetable juice can be high in added sugars and other inflammatory compounds, which can contribute to cancer growth. Studies have linked high sugar consumption to an increased risk of pancreatic, colorectal, and breast cancer.

29. Fast Food Burgers

Fast food burgers and other sandwiches can contain high levels of unhealthy fats, sodium, and other inflammatory compounds, which can contribute to cancer growth.

Studies have linked high fast food consumption to an increased risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancer.

30. Sports Drinks

Sports drinks can be high in added sugars and other inflammatory compounds, which can contribute to cancer growth. Studies have linked high sugar consumption to an increased risk of pancreatic, colorectal, and breast cancer.