Last Updated on September 6, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that if one stops sugar intake, cancer cells will die. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A Twitter post reads, “Cancer is not a dangerous disease! Dr Gupta says, No one should die of cancer except due to carelessness. The first step is to stop all sugar intake. Without sugar in your body, cancer cells die a natural death.”
Fact Check
Is sugar a causative agent of cancer?
None of the studies conducted so far have demonstrated that reducing or eliminating sugar consumption effectively prevents or treats cancer. Likewise, there is no scientific evidence indicating that excessive sugar consumption directly leads to the development of cancer. According to the Cancer Council of Australia, sugar is not a carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substance. However, excessive sugar intake, especially in the form of added sugars found in processed beverages and foods, can contribute to obesity, which is a significant risk factor for cancer. There is no substantiated proof that sugar consumption accelerates the growth of cancer cells or triggers cancer. Similarly, the American Society of Clinical Oncology also affirms that consuming sugar in moderation as part of a balanced diet does not result in cancer.
Why is sugar speculated to cause Cancer?
The Cancer Council of Australia provides clarification on this matter, stating that there is a belief that sugar ‘nourishes’ cancer cells. Many cancer cells exhibit faster growth rates than normal cells, necessitating increased energy. Research has revealed that glucose metabolism is frequently altered in cancer cells to meet this heightened glucose demand. Nevertheless, it is important to emphasize that sugar consumption does not stimulate faster cancer cell growth or trigger cancer. All foods are ultimately converted into glucose, as all cells, not just cancer cells, require glucose for energy.
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute discovered no correlation between dietary sugar intake and an elevated risk of colorectal cancer or any other major cancer. Similarly, a study conducted by Yale researchers and published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute identified no association between soft drink consumption and a heightened risk of esophageal cancer. Additionally, a study featured in PLOS One failed to establish a connection between soft drink consumption and colorectal cancer.
Do cancer cells die without sugar in the body?
No. There is no scientific evidence to prove that cancer cells die without sugar in the body. Firstly, cancer cannot naturally disappear by quitting sugar. There is no evidence which proves that either sugar is a causative agent of cancer or that eliminating sugar will make cancer disappear. Irrespective of eliminating the type of sugar, be it brown or white, follow the treatment recommendations from your cancer treatment team. And if you are cancer-free, eating healthy foods may help reduce your chances of getting certain types of cancer. Avoiding authentic and proven treatment can worsen your health condition.
Dr. Sarthak Moharir, Consultant Radiation Oncologist comments on this by stating “Once cancer has been diagnosed, nutrition becomes of utmost importance and avoiding sugars is not recommended.” He further clarifies this by stating, “ Absolutely not. There is no evidence that cancer can disappear by quitting sugar or following various methods such as drinking lime water or consuming coconut oil. Some alternative therapies help alleviate symptoms of disease and treatment, but they have not been proven in any scientific study to cure cancer or make it disappear. I see a lot of patients come in with very early-stage diseases who refuse modern medicine and opt for alternative therapies, as mentioned above. Sooner or later, they come in with advanced metastatic disease.”
Shivashankar T., Chief Clinical Nutritionist and Dietician at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai confirms the same. He informs that a good diet is important in cancer treatment. He further explains that “A healthy diet plays an important role in supporting overall health and well-being during cancer treatment. A diet high in good protein and no simple carbohydrates as well as inflammatory proteins can be beneficial for the cancer patients. However, this diet advice needs to be altered for every patient according to the requirements of their body.”
Our research further shows that cancer treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medical interventions like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and targeted therapies.
Dr. Moharir further adds, “Special diet or diet modifications do not cure cancer. Diet is very important for patients undergoing cancer treatment and it is advised they take a balanced meal with all macros and micronutrients as prescribed by their dietary counsellor. Even if a compound demonstrates anti-cancer activity in a laboratory setting, its effects may vary significantly inside the human body.”
What can be the dangers of trying to cure cancer through diet and not seeking medical advice?
Cancer is a complicated disease that requires more than lotus root for treatment. Relying solely on home remedies and not seeking proper medical treatment can worsen the condition making cancer incurable. Several people fall prey and believe claims that herbal supplements can fight cancer, but that is not true. Remember, cancer multiplies quickly and spreads throughout the body in a short span. Any delay in the treatment will make the condition difficult to treat.
Similarly, THIP Media has fact-checked another claim that stated that eating sugarcane can kill cancer cells.
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