Drinks raising cancer alarm: WHO highlights hidden dangers

When we think about drinks that increase cancer risk, alcohol most often comes to mind. Meanwhile, more and more research indicates that other beverages can also contribute to the development of life-threatening conditions. Interestingly, their temperature is also not without significance. Analysis by the WHO and the IARC leaves no doubt in this regard.

The most carcinogenic drink is alcohol. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient evidence of its carcinogenicity in humans. Research indicates a strong link between alcohol consumption and the risk of developing cancers such as:

• oral cancer,
• throat cancer,
• oesophageal cancer,
• laryngeal cancer,
• liver cancer,
• breast cancer,
• colon and rectal cancer.

Many of us are aware of the negative impact of excessive alcohol consumption, but few people know that other popular drinks can also be harmful to health. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that one of the most carcinogenic drinks is a sugary drink rich in aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.

Studies published in the "Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health" found that some sweeteners can be genotoxic, damaging DNA and leading to cancer.

Aspartame, a popular sweetener, is widely used in soft drinks. A rheumatologist and medical knowledge promoter notes research showing that consuming aspartame can lead to the production of genotoxic substances in the body. Another clinical dietitian emphasizes that aspartame can have excitotoxic effects, meaning that excessive consumption can damage the central nervous system.

The temperature of a drink can also affect its carcinogenicity.

In 2016, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of WHO, published a report highlighting the potential risks of drinking very hot beverages. According to their assessment, regular consumption of drinks with a temperature exceeding 65 degrees Celsius can be carcinogenic to humans (category 2A). Such habits can damage the mucous membrane of the oesophagus, which in turn increases the risk of cancer in that area.

In countries where drinking scalding tea or coffee is famous, such as Iran and China, higher rates of oesophageal cancer are recorded.

WHO does not classify specific non-alcoholic beverages as carcinogenic, but it recommends avoiding excessive consumption of drinks high in sugar, artificial additives, and those served at very high temperatures to reduce cancer risk.