Mode
Text Size
Log in / Sign up

Sugar sweetened beverages and orange juice are associated with increased risk of several cancer typesSugar sweetened drinks may increase risk of several cancer types

AI-generated summary of the cited source, checked by automated accuracy review. How we work

Key Takeaway
Note that sugar sweetened beverages and orange juice are associated with increased risks of several cancer types.

This meta-analysis synthesized data from 51 cohort studies to evaluate the association between sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs), artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs), and fruit and vegetable juices with various cancer types. The analysis provides evidence on several conditions, including pancreatic, colorectal, ovarian, endometrial, breast, leukaemia, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

The authors identified a probable causal association between SSBs and pancreatic cancer (RR 1.09; 95% CI 1.01-1.16) and colorectal cancer (RR 1.07; 95% CI 1.00-1.14). Additionally, orange juice was associated with a probable causal association for melanoma (RR 1.21; 95% CI 1.08-1.34), skin basal carcinoma (RR 1.12; 95% CI 1.06-1.17), and squamous cell carcinoma (RR 1.13; 95% CI 1.04-1.24).

Other findings were characterized as limited suggestive evidence: ovarian cancer (RR 1.61; 95% CI 1.03-2.53), endometrial cancer (RR 1.21; 95% CI 1.03-1.42), postmenopausal breast cancer (RR 1.05; 95% CI 1.00-1.10), and leukaemia associated with carbonated ASBs (RR 1.29; 95% CI 1.01-1.64). The findings extend clinical concerns regarding the impact of sugary drink consumption on cancer risk beyond cardiometabolic health.

How this fits prior evidence

This meta-analysis extends existing knowledge regarding colorectal cancer risks. Specifically, it adds to the evidence that antibiotic exposure is associated with an 18.7% higher risk of gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal cancer. While this study identifies a probable causal association between SSBs and colorectal cancer (RR 1.07), it provides a different pathway for risk assessment related to dietary habits.

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.

What this means for you:
Sugar-sweetened beverages are linked to higher risks of pancreatic, colorectal, and some skin cancers.

Common questions

What types of drinks are linked to cancer?

The study found that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) showed a probable link to pancreatic and colorectal cancers. Additionally, orange juice was linked to an increased risk of skin cancers, specifically basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Is there a link between soda and breast cancer?

The research found limited suggestive evidence for postmenopausal breast cancer in relation to sugar-sweetened beverages. Because this evidence is limited, it does not provide a definitive conclusion on the risk.

Does orange juice increase skin cancer risk?

Yes, the study found a probable causal association between orange juice and two types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These findings were based on several studies included in the review.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review
Sample sizen = 18
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedJul 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
Background: Sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs), artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs), and fruit and vegetable juices are consumed worldwide, yet their associations with cancer remain unclear. Methods: Within World Cancer Research Fund International's Global Cancer Update Programme (CUP Global), we conducted a systematic review by searching PubMed and Embase until September 2024 for cohort studies of SSBs, ASBs, and juices and cancer risk. Meta-analyses were conducted to calculate the relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs per 1 serving/day (355 mL for SSBs/ASBs; 177 mL for juices). Evidence was graded by the CUP Global Expert Panel. The CUP Global standard protocol was registered at: https://osf.io/7utbm/. Findings: We identified 158 publications from 51 cohorts. Evidence supported a judgment of a probable causal association of SSBs, including carbonated SSBs, with pancreatic cancer incidence (RR 1.09 [95% CI 1.01-1.16]; I2=8%, n=18 studies), and of SSBs with colorectal cancer incidence (RR 1.07 [95% CI 1.00-1.14]; I2=41%, n=13). Limited suggestive evidence supported positive associations of SSBs with ovarian (RR 1.61 [95%CI 1.03-2.53]; I2=0%, n=2), endometrial (RR 1.21 [95%CI 1.03-1.42]; I2=0%, n=3), and postmenopausal breast cancer (RR 1.05 [95%CI 1.00-1.10] ; I2=0%, n=6), and of carbonated ASBs with leukaemia (RR 1.29 [95%CI 1.01-1.64]; I2=0%, n=2). Evidence supported a judgment of a probable causal association of orange juice with melanoma (RR 1.21 [95%CI 1.08-1.34]; I2=0%, n=4), and skin basal (RR 1.12 [95%CI 1.06-1.17]; I2=46%, n=2) and squamous cell carcinoma (RR 1.13 [95%CI 1.04-1.24]; I2=0%, n=2). An interactive evidence platform is available at: Soft Drinks and Cancer Risk - CUP Global Evidence Platform. Interpretation: This review provides evidence supporting probable causal associations of SSBs with pancreatic and colorectal cancers, and of orange juice with skin cancers, with additional suggestive evidence for SSBs with other obesity-related cancers, extending concerns about sugary drink consumption beyond cardiometabolic health to cancer risk. Funding: World Cancer Research Fund network of charities (American Institute for Cancer Research; World Cancer Research Fund; Wereld Kanker Onderzoek Fonds).
Free Newsletter

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

Join thousands of clinicians and researchers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.