Does Sugar 'Feed' Cancer: Truth or Myth? 0 19

Why Sugar Is So Important for the Body

Despite the demonization of sugar in popular culture, biology remains biology: glucose is the primary source of energy for all the cells in our body, from muscle fibers to neurons in the brain. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that the body uses most efficiently.

But it is important to distinguish between natural sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, and added sugars — those that enter food during processing. They behave differently in the body.

In whole foods, glucose is "packaged" with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This combination slows absorption, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and protects cells from oxidative stress. It is no coincidence that studies link regular consumption of fruits and vegetables with a lower risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer — for example, esophageal cancer.

Added sugar works differently: it rapidly raises glucose levels, provokes a sharp insulin spike, and triggers a cascade of inflammatory reactions. Fructose, particularly in high-fructose corn syrup, behaves especially aggressively in this context — its metabolism primarily occurs in the liver, where excess fructose contributes to fat accumulation, the development of insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation.

What Actually Links Sugar and Cancer

Science does not support the popular myth that "sugar feeds cancer" in a direct and exclusive sense: glucose is used by all cells, including normal ones. However, there is indeed a connection between excessive sugar consumption and increased cancer risks — but it is much more complex and nuanced.

Metabolic Dependency of Cancer Cells. Scientists have long described a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect: cancer cells consume glucose much more actively than healthy cells, using it for rapid growth. But this does not mean that restricting sugar "dries out" tumors. By reducing glucose intake, we simultaneously deprive healthy cells of energy, which can harm the body, especially during therapy.

Chronic Inflammation. Excess sugar is linked to chronic low-grade inflammation. According to numerous studies, sugar metabolism products increase the number of pro-inflammatory molecules. Prolonged inflammation, in turn, weakens immune surveillance and increases the likelihood of DNA damage. It is no coincidence that anti-inflammatory drugs are currently being studied as potential aids in cancer therapy — precisely because of the role of inflammation in tumor development.

Insulin and IGF-1. Frequent spikes in blood sugar lead to increased secretion of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). These hormones are involved in regulating cell division. Their excess creates conditions in which cancer cells "feel comfortable" and multiply faster. Type I and II diabetes, accompanied by insulin resistance and chronic hyperglycemia, is statistically associated with an increased risk of liver, pancreatic, and kidney cancer.

Gut Microbiome. Microflora is a key component of immunity, and its disturbances directly affect the body's ability to recognize and destroy abnormal cells. Excess sugar promotes the growth of pro-inflammatory bacteria, creating a favorable environment for tumor processes.

How Much Sugar Can Be Safely Consumed

Healthy norms specifically refer to added sugars.

Recommendations from leading organizations are as follows:

• Dietary Guidelines (2020–2025): no more than 10% of total caloric intake (about 50 g per day on a 2000 kcal diet).

• American Heart Association: no more than 6% (about 30 g).

• American Cancer Society: no specific figure, but emphasizes minimizing added sugar in favor of whole foods.

In reality, adults consume about 17-20 teaspoons a day — approximately 70-100 g of added sugars.

Some of this comes from obvious sources — sodas, baked goods, sweet snacks. But a significant portion consists of "hidden" sugars in ketchup, ready-made sauces, granola, yogurts, bars, nut butters, and even "fitness" products.

How to Actually Reduce Sugar Intake

Complete elimination of sugar, contrary to popular advice on the internet, not only does not lead to "starving tumors" but can also be physiologically harmful. A lack of glucose causes fatigue, reduces muscle mass, and can worsen treatment tolerance.

A much more effective approach is a reasonable reduction of added sugar, accompanied by a transition to a more whole-food diet.

Here are dietitians' recommendations:

• choose whole fruits instead of juices — fiber significantly reduces glycemic load;

• drink water and unsweetened beverages instead of sweet ones;

• keep healthy snacks without added sugar on hand: nuts, vegetables with hummus, fresh berries;

• gradually reduce sugar in coffee and tea;

• use dessert recipes without added sugar;

• read labels: anything ending in "-ose" — glucose, fructose, dextrose — is added sugar.

And, of course, it is important to build a diet around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and lean meats — this dietary model has a proven preventive effect.

Conclusion: Should We Fear Sugar?

The popular formula "sugar feeds cancer" is alarming in its simplicity — but science is much more complex. Glucose is essential for all cells, and its restriction does not kill tumors but depletes the body as a whole. However, excess added sugar does indeed create conditions that increase the risk of certain types of cancer: it enhances inflammation, disrupts insulin function, and alters the microbiome.

Therefore, the goal is not to completely eliminate sweetness, but to reduce the amount of added sugars and make the diet more whole and plant-based. This approach protects health much better than strict prohibitions.