8 Foods that Can Cause Cancer

Did you know that scientists have found a clear link between processed meat and cancer? Here are 8 foods that can cause cancer.
8 Foods that Can Cause Cancer

Last update: 15 December, 2022

Various studies say that your diet is linked to common diseases, illnesses and everyday ailments. It’s also been proven that following a poorly balanced diet can greatly impact your health and increase your risks of getting cancer. That’s why today we’re going to take a look at 8 foods that can cause cancer.

Certain foods that you consume every day without realizing it can substantially increase the possibility of contracting cancer. Learn what they are and limit your intake.

Foods that Can Cause Cancer or Make It Worse

1. Genetically modified foods

Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s), more commonly known as “transgenic foods,” can cause many diseases, with the most frequent one being cancer.

This is because of chemical products they use to enhance growth. The problem is that transgenic foods are hiding everywhere, especially in foods that contain soy, corn, or canola (and derivatives).

You can avoid them and also incorporate certified and verified organic foods into your diet. 

Read: Tips to Face the New About Cancer

trans-fats foods that can cause cancer

2. Processed meats

All meat products, like cold cuts, bacon, sausages, jerky, etc. contain chemical conservatives to make them stay fresh and looking good.

However, these chemicals may also cause cancer. Scientists trace nitrate and sodium nitrate to a significant increase in the risk of contracting this disease, especially in the colon.

If you want to eat meat, try to choose cured meat products that don’t use nitrate. In addition, try to opt for meat from animals that ate grass and not corn.

3. Microwaveable popcorn

Popcorn is very easy to make. You simply have to put a bag in the microwave. Then, in two minutes, you have the best partner for a movie on the sofa!

However, the combination of the ingredients with the radiation from this appliance may increase your risk of cancer and infertility.

As if that weren’t enough, several of the ingredients used can contain genetically modified materials. If you want to enjoy this snack, buy corn kernels and make it yourself in a covered pot with a little bit of oil.

4. Regular or diet soft drinks

Soft drinks can cause cancer. It’s that simple.

This is because they not only contain large amounts of sugar (the ones that are not diet), but also chemical, colorant, additive, etc. products. Soft drinks and sodas acidify the body and “feed” cancerous cells.

In the case of the low-calorie options, they are even more dangerous because they contain aspartame. This is an artificial sweetener that brings with it various diseases, among them cancer and congenital defects. Other sweeteners like sucralose (in Splenda) and saccharine may also cause various diseases.

Always go for natural or freshly squeezed juices, tea, or, in the best case, water.

drinks foods that can cause cancer

5. Refined flour

 We’re talking about the white-colored kind of flour, a common ingredient in many processed foods.

Regular consumption of refined flour is related to an increase in the cases of breast cancer in women. Also, having a high glycemic index makes sugar levels in the blood quickly increase. Unfortunately, this feeds the growth of cancerous cells.
Choose whole grains instead and make your own food. Don’t buy bread or processed food.

Learn about: Skin Cancer Warning Signs

6. Refined sugar

This affects you the same way flour does. Sugar tends to increase insulin and therefore feeds cancerous cells in the body.

Be careful with foods rich in fructose, like corn syrup (which is in many products that you buy at the store). These are extremely dangerous for the body. Cookies, pastries, juices, cakes, sauces, cereals, and soft drinks contain it. This partly explains why there are more and more cases of cancer in the world.

As an alternative to white sugar, nothing is better than stevia (buy the dry plant) or honey (organic) for sweetening.

sugar foods that can cause cancer

7. Hydrogenated oils 

These are used to conserve processed foods so that they stay “stable.” However, they have a down side because they change the structure and flexibility of the cellular membranes in your body. Naturally, this leads them to be one of the foods that can cause cancer.

This can cause some debilitating types of diseases, like cancer (among others). Unfortunately, trans fats are in a large amount of foods that you buy and eat every day.

That being said, many manufacturers are substituting it for safer alternatives, like palm oil, which is already a great option to turn to. As a tip, don’t buy foods that contain trans fats.

8. Industrially produced fruits and vegetables

Is it possible that healthy fruit is one of the foods that can cause cancer?

In reality, the problem is not in the food itself. Instead, it’s the way they “care for” it before they release it into the market.

The majority of of fruits and vegetables are contaminated with pesticides, which cause cancer. Apples are first place in this fastidious ranking, followed by grapes, strawberries, cilantro, and potatoes.

The chemical products are dispersed across the fields to prevent insects and disease, and as a result, can also make the people that eat them sick. For women at child-bearing age, the consumption of these chemicals can increase the risk of their children having problems as a consequence.

To prevent this, choose organic products or those certified as “free of pesticides.” Also, shop at local markets.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.



This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.