Study links sweetened drinks and certain breakfast foods to higher liver cancer risk

A large epidemiological study of more than 1.5 million adults, primarily in the United States, found that consuming one sugar‑sweetened beverage daily was associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer. The analysis did not show a link between overall liver‑cancer risk and artificial‑sweetener drinks, though a higher risk was observed for individuals with higher body‑mass index or diabetes when consuming more than one such drink per day.

Oncologists also warned that regularly eating highly processed breakfast foods—such as sugary cereals, pastries, muffins and other refined‑carb items—can raise cancer risk by promoting obesity, insulin spikes and inflammation. Experts recommend breakfasts rich in fiber, protein and fresh fruit, such as Greek yogurt with berries, eggs with whole‑grain toast or oatmeal with nuts, to help lower the likelihood of cancer and improve overall health.