Cancer is a deadly disease that will impact nearly 130 million Americans at some point during their life. In fact, most people have been affected by cancer in some form or another. While there isn’t a proven cure for cancer, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of developing this disease. While family history and genes do predispose individuals to certain types of cancer, studies show that reducing certain environmental factors as well as eliminating cancer-causing foods from their diet may have positive effects.

The following list will reveal specific cancer-causing foods:

1. Sugar

Refined sugar is a substance that might as well not exist. This particular flavoring always gets a bad name when it comes to health. Sugar not only rots teeth, causes obesity, and increases a person’s chances for diabetes⁠—it can also cause cancer. Sugar triggers an insulin response within the body. Insulin hormone is produced in the pancreas to allow your body to turn sugar (glucose) from carbohydrates into energy. Yet when insulin levels become to high (i.e., type 2 diabetes), studies show the chances of unnatural cell division (which causes cancer to form) takes place. This is why individuals suffering from diabetes also have an increased chance of developing cancer.

2. Processed meat consumption 

People that eat a lot of cured or processed meats are also prone to developing cancer. People who consistently eat processed meat have at least a 20% chance of developing cancer. Processed meats typically contain substances known as sulfates that preserve the flavor and life of the meat.

2. Dairy 

Dairy products such as milk, cheese and eggs are also linked to cancer development. These substances often contain insulin, estrogen, and human growth hormones, which means individuals whose diets are rich in these types of dairy products are considered at increased risk of cancer.

3. High fast food consumption

Fast food products are not the best sources of nutrition. However, many restaurant owners realize the role they play in the public’s health and are making great strides to improve the quality of their foods. Still, people should consume fast food in moderation. Prolonged consumption of fast food will significantly increase the risk of several types of cancer (i.e., prostate and colon cancer).

4. Excess alcohol consumption 

Excess consumption of beer or liquor over the long term can create a bounty of health problems, including increasing the risk of several types of cancer (i.e., mouth, oesophageal, breast, bowel, and liver cancers).