STAY HEALTHY –
Dec. 11, 2025 – While cancer risk depends on many factors beyond specific foods, small dietary shifts can help us enjoy our favorite meals without nudging our risk upward. We spoke with two experts to share which foods may raise cancer risk 1. Processed Meats 2. Sugar-Sweetened Beverages 3. Red Meat – You may not think of food as a primary factor in cancer risk, but research shows that our dietary choices can play a quiet yet powerful role in shaping long-term health. The typical Western diet—high in processed foods, red meats, refined grains and sugar-sweetened beverages—has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. It’s also typically low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which are rich in fiber and nutrients linked to a reduced risk of cancer. “A Western dietary pattern quietly raises cancer risk by 10% to 30% for colorectal, breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers” says Kari Hamrick, Ph.D., RDN.12
