A common question I get asked as a clinician in oncology, involves our consumption of sugar. I am asked regularly, “Did eating sugar cause my cancer?” As we seek explanations as to why cancer develops, eating sugar is often accused of being one of the culprits.
Should we stop eating sugar if we are diagnosed with cancer? To prevent cancer, should we avoid sugar altogether?
According to Cancer.net, the answer is a roundabout “no.” The rationale is logical: sugar is ultimately converted into glucose, which feeds cancer cells. However, sugars are converted into glucose to feed all the cells in our body. For our bodies to function, there is no way to avoid glucose entirely. There is not a way to separate out the cancer cells versus healthy cells when it comes to the fuel requirement of our cells.
Excess consumption of sugar or calories in general, we know can cause weight gain. Carrying extra weight stresses our body in a multitude of ways that can lead us to develop various chronic diseases. Obesity is a risk factor for multiple types of cancers. The American Institute for Cancer Research suggests being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing 12 different types of cancer. The most common types are breast cancer and colon cancer.
Cutting out sugar from our diet sounds like a terrible idea to a lot of us. We don’t have to cut it out entirely, but moderation is the key. Should we stop eating sugar if we have active cancer? The answer is no. Many cancer patients may have loss of appetite, weight loss, and frailty already. Calories are the key to their strength, stamina, ability to fight, and thus their survival.
A well-rounded, healthy diet is the way to go for both people with cancer and for those who are trying to prevent cancer. Keeping a normal body weight, without being overweight or obese, is key to prevention. Both a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended.
Barbara Dean 