Few health topics stir up as much worry as cancer—and few things feel as personal as what lands on your plate every day. Nearly 40 percent of people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, according to the National Cancer Institute, so it’s no surprise that many of us scan headlines (and grocery labels) looking for ways to lower our risk.
The good news is that diet is one of the factors you have some control over. Research has long linked eating patterns to the risk of several cancers, especially those of the digestive tract, and colorectal cancer rates have been climbing among younger adults. That has put a spotlight on the everyday foods people reach for without a second thought.
Related: ‘These 5 Fruits Can Help Lower Your Colorectal Cancer Risk, According to Gastroenterologists’
When it comes to ingredients with a bad reputation, sugar usually tops the list. It shows up in everything from breakfast cereal to pasta sauce, and cutting back is a common goal for anyone trying to eat healthier. But sugar isn’t the only ingredient oncologists keep an eye on. Another one—often hidden in packaged foods and easy to overlook on a nutrition label—has been tied to a higher risk of two common cancers.
So what is it, and how can you tell if it’s in your pantry? Here’s what an oncologist wants you to know.
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The Common Ingredient Linked to Prostate and Colorectal Cancer, According to an Oncologist
The ingredient is trans fat, a type of fat long used to extend the shelf life of processed foods. Dr. Jitesh Joshi, MD, Oncologist and Hematologist, Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital, previously told Parade that “trans fats are well-established as harmful for heart health and have been associated with moderately increased risk of prostate and colorectal cancer.”
Dr. Joshi raised the issue while discussing coffee creamer, since some older-style creamers have contained trans fats. Still, he was careful not to blame any one food, noting that there isn’t strong evidence that a single product like creamer directly causes cancer. The real issue is overall eating patterns.
“The bigger-picture concern is the cumulative effect of a diet heavy in ultra-processed, high-sugar foods—not one single product,” Dr. Joshi said.
Related: ‘We Asked 3 Oncologists About the Best Breakfast for Cancer Prevention and They All Said the Same Thing’
Where Trans Fats Still Hide (and How Sugar Fits In)
If you’re thinking trans fats were banned, you’re partly right. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration determined in 2015 that partially hydrogenated oils—the main source of artificial trans fats—are not generally recognized as safe, and manufacturers had to stop adding them to foods by 2018, with some extensions afterward.
But trans fats haven’t disappeared entirely. Labeling rules allow products with less than 0.5 grams per serving to list trans fat as zero, so if you eat several servings, those small amounts can add up. Some imported foods and restaurant fried foods may also contain them, and small amounts occur naturally in meat and dairy. Your best bet is the ingredient list: If you see “partially hydrogenated oil,” trans fats are in there, even if the label says 0 grams.
Related: ‘An Oncologist Says Doing This in the Kitchen Can Release ‘Millions’ of Microplastic Particles Into Your Food’
As for sugar, it’s not off the hook. Diets high in added sugar can contribute to weight gain, and obesity is a well-established risk factor for several cancers, including colorectal cancer. Sugar-sweetened beverages were among the items Dr. Joshi flagged as worth limiting, along with processed meats, red meat and alcohol. That’s why he emphasized the bigger picture: A diet built mostly on minimally processed foods does more for your health than cutting out any single ingredient.
The upside? Coffee lovers don’t have to give up their morning cup. Dr. Joshi noted that coffee itself may even be protective against certain cancers, and swapping a heavily processed creamer for milk or a splash of cream is an easy place to start.
Adapted from Parade’s Oncologists Are Begging People To Stop Drinking This One Thing Every Morning by Ashley Broadwater.
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Dr. Jitesh Joshi, MD, Oncologist and Hematologist, Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospitals Cancer Stat Facts: Cancer of Any Site, National Cancer Institute Final Determination Regarding Partially Hydrogenated Oils (Removing Trans Fat), U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationHence then, the article about an oncologist says this common ingredient is linked to prostate and colorectal cancer hint it s not sugar was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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