By Laurie Melrose-Doering, Osteopath & Applied Kinesiologist
A major breakthrough in cancer research has revealed that sugar, commonly found in fast food, can switch off our cancer-fighting genes. This discovery adds a new dimension to our understanding of cancer and highlights the significant role diet plays in its development. Here is an overview of the complexities of cancer and the role sugar plays in its development.
Smoking poses one of the biggest risks for developing cancer, with around 48% of smokers getting the disease. However, this also means 52% do not, highlighting the complexity of predicting cancer development.
Researchers from Imperial College London analysed a database of nearly 200,000 participants. They discovered that for every 10% increase in ultra-processed food (UPF) in a person’s diet, there was a 2% rise in cancer cases overall. Despite widespread consumption of processed foods, not everyone develops cancer, indicating other influencing factors.
The body breaks down glucose through glycolysis to create energy, producing methylglyoxal (MGO) as a by-product. MGO can disrupt cell function, damage DNA, and potentially initiate cancer development if not adequately broken down by enzymes.
Excessive MGO levels overwhelm the body’s ability to manage it, leading to DNA damage. This damage can deactivate the BRCA2 cancer-suppressing gene, increasing cancer risk, especially in those with inherited mutations.
Researchers discovered that MGO can deactivate cancer-suppressing genes, increasing cancer risk in individuals with high MGO levels. This includes diabetics and those consuming large amounts of UPFs (Ultra Processed Foods).
A study by Li Ren Kong aimed to understand cancer risks in genetically susceptible families but found a broader mechanism linking sugar metabolism to cancer development. This highlights the importance of diet and weight control in cancer risk management.
Geneticist Alfred Knudson identified that cancer can develop only when both cancer-suppressor genes in a cell are inactivated. This became known as the “two-hit” paradigm and explains why some people are more susceptible to cancer.
Otto Warburg, a German physiologist and medical doctor, observed that cancer cells consume large amounts of glucose and produce lactate even in the presence of oxygen. This fermentation process is linked to cancer cell growth.
Up to 90% of cancers are caused by environmental factors, including diet. This is evident from historical cases like chimney sweeps exposed to coal tar, patients exposed to X-rays, and those inhaling asbestos or smoking.
The research confirms that environmental and lifestyle factors, including processed food consumption, play a significant role in cancer development. Cancer prevention involves managing these factors.
Limiting exposure to carcinogens like tobacco and environmental toxins is crucial for cancer prevention.
Reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugar can significantly lower cancer risk. Understanding that higher UPF consumption correlates with increased cancer incidence emphasises the need for dietary vigilance.
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for reducing cancer susceptibility, as obesity is linked to higher cancer risks.
For every 10% increase in UPF consumption, there is a corresponding rise in cancer incidence:
The study also highlights specific cancer risks associated with UPF consumption:
Ovarian cancer: 19% increase with 10% UPF rise, 38% with 20%, and 57% with 30%
Breast cancer death: 16% increase with 10% UPF rise, 32% with 20%, and 48% with 30%
Ovarian cancer death: 30% increase with 10% UPF rise, 60% with 20%, and 90% with 30%
Any cancer death: 6% increase with 10% UPF rise, 12% with 20%, and 18% with 30%
Understanding the link between sugar, processed foods, and cancer emphasises the importance of dietary choices in cancer prevention. By managing diet and lifestyle factors, individuals can significantly reduce their cancer risk and improve their overall health.
Sugar, ultra-processed foods, toxins, chemicals, and radiation increase cancer risk. The Singapore and Imperial researchers confirm that excessive processed food turns off cancer-fighting mechanisms. To reduce risk, avoid smoking, pollutants, unnecessary x-rays, and most importantly, limit ultra-processed foods. Treat sugar as an occasional indulgence.
At Aston Clinic London, our herbalists regularly work alongside conventional medicine to help support cancer treatment. Our herbalists prescribe herbal remedies which support patients through chemo- or radiotherapy, as well as helping to combat some of the physiological processes present in cancer.
To book a session with our practitioners, click here. Alternatively, you can contact us at 020 8942 3148 to learn how our treatments can benefit you.
Aston Clinic London is a third-generation complementary health clinic located in New Malden, serving Kingston, Norbiton, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Surbiton, Chessington, Worcester Park, Sutton, Richmond, and other areas of southwest London and Surrey.
By Laurie Melrose-Doering, Osteopath & Applied Kinesiologist
