Many people reach for sugary drinks for a quick energy boost or a treat. However, new data suggests these beverages might do more than just impact your blood sugar. A large review of 51 different studies found that drinking sugar-sweetened beverages may be linked to an increased risk of pancreatic and colorectal cancers.
The research also looked at other types of drinks. For example, it found a probable link between orange juice and certain skin cancers, like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. While the evidence for some other conditions, such as ovarian or endometrial cancer, was limited and only suggestive, the data highlights a concerning pattern regarding sugar intake.
It is important to remember that these findings come from a wide range of studies with varying levels of certainty. While the link between sugary drinks and certain cancers appears likely in several cases, the evidence for others remains less clear. Always talk with your doctor about how your personal diet affects your long-term health.