This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our teamof licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
In most cases, that means focusing on living a generally healthy lifestyle.
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For most, that could meansteering clear of certain foodsalmost entirely.
There is a lot we can do each and every day to reduce our risk for cancer."
Whenever possible, Milliron recommends maintaininga balanced diet.
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(Related:Eating Habits to Lose Abdominal Fat As You Age, Say Dietitians.)
Salami
Processed meatsare some of the worst offenders for increasing risk of cancer.
According to theWorld Research Fund, processed meats such as salami, for example increase risk of bowel cancer.
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These meats are highly processed (hence the name!
), which strips them of any of the natural nutrients they may have had.
What you mostly get with salami and other processed meats is lots of fat and lots of salt.
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Oh, and increased cancer risk, too!
Beer
Love a cold brewski at the end of a hard day?
We don’t blame you, but sadly, beer can increase your risk of developing cancer.
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It’s not only a risk of recurrence, either.
If cancer runs in your family, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether.
Not just in large quantities either believe it or not, it’s the regularity that exacerbates cancer risk.
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The more frequent the habit, the higher the increase of risk.
Steak
There’s nothing like a thick slab of New York strip.
Unfortunately, it’s not that great for you sorry about this one!
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Especially if you have a family history of cancer, it’s just not worth the risk.
Consuming red meat increases risk of colon cancer, according to theWorld Cancer Research Research.
Your ultimate restaurant and supermarket survival guide is here!
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“These compounds have been linked to an increased risk for certain types of cancer.”
The more frequently you drink, the more your risk goes up.
Jam
Now before you panic, not all jams are potentially harmful only ones preserved in salt.
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Making your own mix from low-sodium baking powder is a better option for people predisposed to cancers.
This is because foods with high sodium can cause stomach cancer.
Shockingly, pre-made pancake mixes are often some of the biggest culprits of high sodium levels.
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Jerky
Jerky may be a yummy, high-protein snack, but it’s still a processed meat.
Like other processed meats, jerky has been linked to increased risk of developing of colorectal cancer.
Beef
This is why we can’t have nice things.
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Yep, even beef!
Canned fish
Whenever possible, skip the tuna fish and other canned fish.
That’s better for your blood pressure, cholesterol, and ultimately, decreased cancer risk.
Milk
Historically, we’ve been told that calcium is important for a healthy, balanced diet.
(Those #GotMilk commercials, anyone?)
But years later, we’re learning that may not be the case.
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“A repeat study of 47,781 physicians showed an even higher risk.
There is also evidence of dairy being implicated in an increased risk for ovarian cancer.
It goes back to hormonal stimulation and cancer cell growth.”
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That being said, some studies show that high-calcium diets can decrease risk of colon cancer.
“I would recommend avoiding dairy and processed meats.
A plant-based diet with plenty of whole grains is best.”
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Cottage cheese
In general, cheese is often highly processed.
See cottage cheese in the supermarket?
Eggs
In general, all types of poultry put you at risk for developing cancer.
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Apparently, that also includeseggs.
Red meat features important nutrients like protein, B12, iron, and zinc.
But if you are predisposed to cancer, eating red meats like pork might not be worth the risk.
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you could get these vitamins elsewhere.
Ketchup
But what are you going to put on your fries from now on?
Ketchups can be high in sodium some as much as 150 milligrams.
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That might not seem like a lot, but it adds up quickly throughout the day.
Veggie juices
Um, what?!
Aren’t vegetables supposed to be, well, healthy for you?
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Veggie juices can actually be super high in sodium, which can cause stomach cancer.
You’re better off squeezing your own veggie juices at home.
No preservatives or additives that way!
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Ham
#ProcessedMeat.
Avoid it if possible.
Fried fish
Generally,studieshave shown that fish can actually protect the body against cancer.
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Pepperoni
Delicious as a pizza topping (or by itself, honestly!
), but good for our risk of colorectal cancer?
Pepperoni is another kind of processed meat that should be avoided.
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Pasta sauce
Ugh, say it isn’t so!
Sadly,marinara and other kinds of pasta saucescould have high levels of sodium.
In fact, one cup of spaghetti sauce can have as much as 1,000 milligrams of sodium.
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And as we know, high levels of sodium are linked to stomach cancer.
check that to check the nutritional facts of your pasta sauce before buying.
The less sodium, the less increased risk of cancer!
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Can’t quit the pasta?
Try a healthier alternative to sauce.
you’re free to make your own with plum tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
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Or just toss your spaghetti with olive oil!
Meaning that, yes, eating venison meat can also increase your risk of bowel cancer.
This throw in of meat should be avoided or at least limited when it comes to your diet.
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Bread
We’ll never get over this one.
Tortillas
Sadly, tortillas are included in the “bread” category.
If it’s possible for you to’t cut tortillas out of your life, opt for plain corn tortillas.
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These generally contain less sodium and are veggie-based instead of flour-based.
Already, that’s better!
After all, American cheese is one of the most highly processed cheeses and ultimately foods out there.
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A slice (or two!)
of American cheese might be delicious on grilled cheese.
But ask yourself, “Is all that processing and sodium worth the increased cancer risk?”
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It’s another kind of processed meat that should be avoided if you have a family history of cancer.
“These are substances that promote the formation of cancer.”
Sure, the roll tastes good, but there are many alternatives to burger buns.
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A portobello mushroom or a lettuce “bun” can easily take the place of a roll.
Pastries
Sugar and refined carbohydrates can also cause cancer.
Since pastries often include both, you may want to skip the trip to the local bakery.
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Candy
Add candy to that list, Richards says.
When in doubt, avoid it.
Coffee
According toDr.
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But there’s some evidence that suggests otherwise, hence the controversy.
Dr. Gonzalez’s recommendation?
“There is abundant data on coffee, some encouraging, others slightly concerning,” Dr. Gonzalez says.
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“My recommendation is practicing moderation.
If you are depending on coffee, it’s time to practice other approaches to self-care .
Breakfast cereal
Of course, it depends on thebreakfast cereal.
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Did you know that the average American consumes more than 3,000 milligrams of sodium per day?
Roast beef
It may be a delicacy, but sadly, it’s a processed meat.
You know what that means significant increase in cancer risk.
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Wine
Like beer and hard liquor, wine can also increase yourrisk of breast cancerand other cancers.
In fact, having a few glasses of wine exponentially increases your risk.
And it’s not so much the number of glasses you have but rather the frequency.
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The more frequently you drink wine, the more your risk of developing a punch in of cancer increases.
Bologna
No more bologna sandwiches, if you’re free to help it.
Pancetta
Salt with a side serving of meat.
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Pie
Same issue as pastries all the sugar and all the refined carbohydrates.
Trans fats are still creeping their way into your meals.
Here are the30 Sneaky Restaurant Foods With the Most Trans Fat.
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High temps can cause the release of dangerous chemicals that can alter your DNA, causing mutations.
Instead,CancerCenter.orgsuggests baking, boiling, or braising your meats.
This includes everything from some chips, fruit snacks, microwavable popcorn, etc.
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These heavily processed and packaged foods can cause a chemical compound called PCP, which is a known carcinogen.
Some of these foodslikemicrowavable popcorn, for examplecould also have dangerous chemicals lining their packaging.
Duck
Duck is in a similar category to venison.
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[slidetitle num=“43”]Soda
It should come as no secret thatsodais significantly high in sugar.
Bacon
This one stings.Baconis undeniably delicious, especially on a Sunday morning with scrambled eggs.
But if you could limit your bacon intake, it’s definitely in your best interest.
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Here are41 More of the Worst Breakfast Foods On The Planetyou should also steer clear of.
Buttermilk
It’s surprisingly super high in sodium.
Sugary drinks
It’s not just soda that’s a cancer concern.
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Check the nutritional value, and ensure the added sugar content is reasonable.
Canned vegetables
But they’re vegetables, right?!
Additives and preservatives often mean added sodium, which is linked to stomach cancer.
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Jelly
Some jellies are preserved with high levels of salt to make them last longer.
Always check the sodium on the nutrition facts of your jelly before buying (or eating!).
Canned meat
SPAM?
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Simply just avoid, avoid, avoid!
So what should you eat instead?
How about any of thesefoods that lower your cancer risk.
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Eat This, Not That!
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