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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayAugust 19, 2026Hillsborough

Mass General Brigham study links daily sugary drink consumption to increased stomach cancer risk

A new observational study of over 100,000 participants found that consuming at least one sugar-sweetened beverage daily is associated with nearly triple the risk of developing gastric cancer compared to infrequent consumption. Researchers identified fructose as a potential factor, while noting that the study shows an association rather than direct causation.

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Why It Matters

The study highlights a potential lifestyle risk factor for , which is seeing rising incidence rates among adults under 50.

Key Facts

  • Participants consuming at least one sugary drink daily had nearly three times the risk of gastric cancer compared to those drinking fewer than one serving per month.
  • The study analyzed data from over 100,000 participants in the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study.
  • Approximately 63% of U.S. adults consume sugar-sweetened beverages at least once daily.
  • Artificially sweetened beverages were not associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer in the study.
  • Researchers identified fructose as a primary sweetener of concern in the beverages studied.
  • The study found no association between sugary drink consumption and H. pylori bacteria, a known risk factor for stomach cancer.
  • The study population was predominantly White healthcare professionals, requiring further research in more diverse populations.
  • The findings are observational and do not prove that sugary drinks directly cause stomach cancer.

Who's Mentioned

organizationCDC“Source of data regarding sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.”otherGastro Hep Advances“Journal where the study was published.”organizationMass General Brigham“Research institution that conducted the study.”other50“Age threshold for rising gastrointestinal cancer trends.”personAndrew T. Chan“Senior author of the study, gastroenterologist and epidemiologist.”