Stomach cancer risk more than doubles: this common habit may be to blame

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• Large long-term study links daily sweet drinks to higher stomach cancer risk
• How sugary drinks may damage the stomach
• Which drinks count as sugar-sweetened beverages?
  • Type and dose both matter
• Other diet and lifestyle factors that affect stomach cancer risk
• Practical changes to lower your risk
• What to watch for and when to act

A growing body of evidence now ties an everyday habit — drinking beverages loaded with added sugar — to a higher risk of stomach cancer. The finding is resonating because these drinks are common: many Americans reach for a sweetened soda, coffee or juice every day without thinking about long-term harm.

Large long-term study links daily sweet drinks to higher stomach cancer risk

Researchers tracked the beverage habits of roughly 112,000 adults from 1986 to 2022. They compared people who never consumed drinks with added sugars to those who had at least one 8-ounce serving a day.

• People with daily intake of sugar-added drinks had about 2.5 times the risk of developing stomach cancer.
• Risk varied by sex: women showed roughly a threefold increase, while men had about a twofold rise in risk.
• About 63% of U.S. adults report consuming at least one beverage with added sugar daily.

These results add to evidence that diet influences cancer risk. Experts say changing what we drink is one of several modifiable behaviors that can reduce long-term risk.

How sugary drinks may damage the stomach

The link is not just about calories. Sugary beverages can trigger a chain of biological effects that may promote cancer.

• Added sugars can inflame the stomach lining, the gastric mucosa, making it more vulnerable to damage.
• Regular sugar overload contributes to overweight and obesity, known risk factors for several cancers.
• High sugar intake affects insulin and metabolic signaling in ways that may promote tumor growth.
• Frequent consumption of processed sugars often accompanies other unhealthy eating patterns.

Stomach cancer remains one of the world’s common cancers, though its incidence has declined in some countries, including the U.S. Diet and body weight are two leading controllable drivers in many populations.

Which drinks count as sugar-sweetened beverages?

Sugar-sweetened beverages, or SSBs, cover a wide range of products. Not all have the same sugar content or risk profile.

• Sodas and cola drinks made with sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup.
• Sweetened coffees and teas when sugar, syrups or condensed milk are added.
• Energy drinks and many sports beverages.
• Fruit juice that has sugar added on top of the natural sugars.
• Homemade or commercial lemonades, punches and sweetened iced teas.

Type and dose both matter

Drinks with large amounts of processed sugar, especially high-fructose corn syrup, pose a greater metabolic burden. A single packet of sugar in morning coffee is far different from a 20-ounce soda.

Other diet and lifestyle factors that affect stomach cancer risk

Researchers emphasize that sugary drinks are one piece of a broader dietary picture. Several habits raise stomach cancer risk.

• High intake of salted, smoked or pickled foods.
• Frequent consumption of heavily charred or grilled meats.
• Low consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Excess body weight and obesity.
• Regular heavy alcohol use.

Some processed meats and alcohol can cause direct damage to digestive tissues or form carcinogenic compounds during digestion.

Practical changes to lower your risk

Small, sustainable swaps can reduce added-sugar intake and improve overall diet quality.

• Choose water, seltzer, or unsweetened tea instead of sugar-sweetened sodas.
• Opt for plain coffee and add minimal or no sugar.
• Read labels: choose beverages with no added sugar or lower sugar per serving.
• Increase whole fruits and vegetables to offset processed foods.
• Limit processed and salted meats; grill and char foods less often.
• Manage weight through diet and activity to reduce overall cancer risk.

Some people swap to diet beverages to cut calories. While research on artificial sweeteners has raised questions, most experts say these substitutes can help control weight and may be preferable to frequent high-sugar drinks.

What to watch for and when to act

If you consume sweetened drinks daily, consider decreasing frequency and portion sizes. Monitor weight and discuss gastrointestinal symptoms with your clinician.

• Persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty swallowing merit a medical check.
• Routine preventive care and healthy lifestyle changes are practical steps anyone can take.
• Policy efforts that reduce sugary drink consumption can also lower population risk.