New study links sugary drinks to 'increased metastasis risk' in colorectal cancer

Fresh research has revealed a troubling connection between drinking particular beverages and a potentially elevated risk of 'metastasis' in colorectal cancer cases. Metastasis refers to the process by which cancer spreads from its initial location, making the disease far harder to treat.

The latest study, led by the University of Texas, utilised cutting-edge laboratory cancer models to examine how glucose, fructose, and a combination of both sugars might affect advanced colorectal cancer. Glucose and fructose are both simple sugars naturally present in fruits and vegetables, though they're frequently incorporated into processed foods as well.

Alarmingly, researchers found that combining these two elements made cancer cells considerably 'more mobile', resulting in accelerated spread to the liver - a typical destination for colorectal cancer metastasis. They cautioned that glucose-fructose combinations are especially prevalent in sweet drinks, potentially including fruit juices, energy beverages, and fizzy drinks.

Assistant Professor Jihye Yun explained: "Our findings highlight that daily diet matters not only for cancer risk but also for how the disease progresses once it has developed. While these findings need further investigation, they suggest that reducing sugary drinks, targeting SORD, or repurposing statins may benefit patients with colorectal cancer."

The alarming new research builds upon earlier work by Assistant Professor Yun, which revealed that even modest intake of sugary beverages may directly accelerate tumour development in early-stage colorectal cancer. This effect was emphasised to be entirely separate from obesity, a recognised major risk factor for colorectal cancer.

Nevertheless, it's crucial to acknowledge that simple sugar consumption also dramatically heightens the danger of other severe cancers. It's thought this even includes lung cancer, according to the University of Florida, which found that glycogen may fuel larger and more aggressive tumour growth.

Earlier this year, Associate Professor Dr Ramon Sun, who worked on the project, said: "Lung cancer has not traditionally been thought of as a dietary-related disease. Diseases like pancreatic cancer or liver cancer, yes.

"However, when it comes to lung cancer, the idea that diet could play a role is rarely discussed." He later added: "In the long term, our approach to cancer prevention should mirror the success of the anti-smoking campaign — placing greater emphasis on public awareness and policy-driven strategies that promote healthier dietary choices as a fundamental component of disease prevention."

In light of the recent Texas-based research, scientists similarly agree that current dietary guidelines should be reexamined, especially for patients already diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Right now, many cancer patients are reportedly encouraged to consume drinks containing high levels of glucose and fructose to meet their nutritional needs.

In the majority of instances, it remains unclear why one individual might develop cancer whilst another does not. Nevertheless, Macmillan Cancer Support clarifies that particular risk factors can heighten a person's overall likelihood.

Typically, these encompass, but are not restricted to:

• Lifestyle factors - these include your weight, your diet, smoking habits, how active you are, and alcohol consumption, among other things.
• Family history - some cancers are more common in certain families.
• Age - the likelihood rises as you become older.

Advice from Macmillan adds: "Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely get cancer. Some factors only increase your risk a small amount. Others are much more likely to cause cancer, such as smoking. You can still develop cancer even if you do not have any known risk factors."

For more information, head to Macmillan's website here.