According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death, with approximately 9.6 million people worldwide dying from it in 2018.

While genetic factors are responsible for some cases of cancer, the foods we eat and the way we live our lives can also contribute to our risk of developing the disease. In this article, we will be looking at some of the cancer-causing foods that you might be consuming regularly.

Processed Meats

Processed meats are any meats that have been modified in some way to prolong their shelf life or alter their taste. These include hot dogs, sausages, ham, and bacon.

According to the WHO, processed meats are classified as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning that they are known to cause cancer. They contain high levels of saturated fats, sodium, and nitrates, which have been linked to colorectal cancer.

Fried Foods

Foods that are fried at high temperatures, like french fries, chicken wings, and onion rings, contain high levels of acrylamide, a chemical that has been linked to cancer.

When starchy foods are fried at high temperatures, acrylamide forms as a byproduct. The higher the temperature and the longer the cooking time, the more acrylamide is formed.

Sugar

Many of us consume a lot more sugar than we realize, and it can be hiding in unexpected places like salad dressings, sauces, and bread.

When we consume sugar, it causes a spike in our insulin levels, which can lead to inflammation and an increased risk of cancer. In particular, diets high in sugar have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

Red Meat

While red meat is an excellent source of protein and other nutrients, it is also high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Eating red meat increases your risk of developing colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.

If you cannot give up red meat entirely, it is recommended that you limit your intake to no more than 18 ounces per week.

Dairy Products

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter are high in saturated fats and have been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate and breast cancer.

While some studies have suggested that dairy products may be protective against colorectal cancer, the evidence is not conclusive, and excessive consumption of dairy has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose are used to sweeten many diet drinks and other low-calorie foods. While they may be low in calories, they have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Aspartame, in particular, has been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer.

Alcohol

Heavy drinking has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.

Women who have more than one drink a day and men who have more than two drinks a day are at the highest risk.

Canned Foods

Canned foods often contain high levels of BPA, a chemical that is used to prevent the growth of bacteria. BPA has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and prostate cancer.

While some companies have started producing BPA-free canned foods, it is still a good idea to limit your consumption of canned foods as much as possible.

Junk Food

Junk food is high in calories, sugar, and saturated fats, and is often low in nutrients. Eating junk food regularly has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including liver, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer.

Grilled Meats

When meats are cooked at high temperatures, like when they are grilled, they can produce chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

These chemicals have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, including pancreatic and colorectal cancer. To reduce your risk, cook your meats on low heat and avoid charring or burning them.