Study Reveals Indonesian Habits That Trigger Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer remains a global health concern, although it is less prevalent than breast, lung, or colorectal cancer.

According to Eating Well, diet is believed to play a role in stomach cancer risk. Consumption of salt-preserved foods, such as salted fish, as well as meat cooked until charred or burnt, has been linked to a higher risk. Conversely, consumption of fruit and vegetables is generally associated with a healthier diet.

Researchers are now highlighting another factor that has not been widely studied in relation to stomach cancer: consumption of sweetened beverages such as iced sweet tea and boba.

A recent study published in the journal Gastro Hep Advances found an association between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and an increased risk of stomach cancer.

The results showed that participants who consumed at least one sugar-sweetened beverage daily had a risk of stomach cancer approximately 2.45 times higher than participants who very rarely consumed such drinks. The association was observed in both men and women. In women, the increased risk was estimated to be around threefold, while in men it was nearly twofold.

Researchers also considered various other factors that may influence stomach cancer risk, including consumption of red and processed meat. This was done to help ensure that the association found was not solely influenced by other dietary factors.

Researchers also examined fructose content in participants’ consumption patterns. Fructose is a type of sugar commonly found in sweetened beverages.

The analysis showed a positive association between higher fructose consumption and stomach cancer risk in the overall study group as well as in women.

This finding is an important part of the research because it provides clues about possible mechanisms that need to be investigated further. However, the findings are not sufficient to conclude that fructose directly causes stomach cancer.