Cancer Dietitian Shares Two Common Foods to Avoid to Lower Cancer Risk
A registered dietitian who specializes in oncology nutrition, Nichole Andrews, has shared valuable advice on how to reduce cancer risk through diet.
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She spoke about the risks in a video on Instagram (Nichole Andrews via Instagram)
In an insightful Instagram video, Andrews revealed two common foods that she advises people to avoid due to their potential to increase the risk of developing cancer.
Here’s a breakdown of the two items:
1. Alcohol
Andrews highlights that alcohol is a major risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast, mouth, throat, esophageal, and colon cancers. She explains that alcohol is metabolized into acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen, which can damage DNA and raise cancer risk.
They said alcohol is a major risk factor in contracting cancer (Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)
Key Takeaway: Cutting back on alcohol consumption can significantly lower the chances of developing certain types of cancer.
2. Processed Meats
The second item on Andrews’ list is processed meats, such as ham, salami, bacon, sausages, frankfurters, and chorizo. These meats are linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer due to compounds like nitrites and N-nitroso compounds, which are formed during processing. Furthermore, the high heat used in processing meats can create carcinogenic compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines, which further elevate the cancer risk. Additionally, red meats contain heme iron, which, when metabolized, may create harmful compounds that can damage the colon.
Key Takeaway: Processed meats should be consumed in moderation or avoided to help reduce colorectal cancer risk.
Debunking the Sugar Myth
In her interview with Newsweek, Andrews clarified that many of her patients believe sugar directly increases cancer risk. However, she explained that overconsumption of sugar itself is not the issue. The problem arises when excess sugar contributes to obesity, which is a proven risk factor for at least 13 types of cancer.
She shared it on Instagram (Nichole Andrews via Instagram)
Obesity promotes chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances (such as elevated insulin and estrogen levels), and metabolic changes that create an environment conducive to cancer development.
Key Takeaway: It’s not sugar itself that’s dangerous, but rather the calorie imbalance and excess body fat that contribute to cancer risk.
Healthy Diet for Cancer Prevention
Andrews emphasizes that diet plays a significant role in cancer prevention and survivorship. Rather than eliminating foods entirely, she advocates for a balanced diet that includes high-quality animal proteins (such as fish, eggs, poultry, lean meats, and lean dairy) paired with an abundance of vegetables. This approach, she says, is sustainable, enjoyable, and backed by scientific evidence supporting cancer risk reduction.
Final Thoughts
While it’s important to focus on nutritional values and how certain foods make us feel, Andrews stresses that there’s no need to completely deprive ourselves of foods we enjoy. Moderation and being aware of what’s in our food are key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing cancer risk.
Featured Image Credit: TikTok/Oncology.Nutrition.RD/Getty Stock Images
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