Cancer Dietitian Reveals Two Common Foods to Avoid for Risk Reduction
When it comes to cancer prevention, diet plays a critical role. Nichole Andrews, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in oncology nutrition, recently highlighted two everyday food items that she recommends avoiding to reduce the risk of cancer.
In an Instagram video titled "Cancer Dietician Shares the Only Two Foods That Increase Cancer Risk," Andrews shared compelling insights about how these foods can impact health.
The First Culprit: Alcohol
According to Andrews, alcohol is not only damaging to liver health but also significantly raises the risk of several cancers, including breast, mouth, throat, esophageal, and colon cancers. She explained, “Alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen that damages DNA and increases cancer risk.”
Research has shown that even moderate consumption can pose risks. For optimal cancer prevention, limiting or avoiding alcohol entirely is a proactive step.
The Second Culprit: Processed Meats
Processed meats like ham, bacon, salami, sausages, and hot dogs are the second item on Andrews’ list. She stated, “These meats contain nitrites and N-nitroso compounds, which increase colorectal cancer risk. Additionally, high heat used in their processing produces carcinogenic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines.”
Even red meats, she warned, contain heme iron, which can generate harmful compounds during metabolism, potentially damaging the colon.
The Truth About Sugar
While sugar itself isn't directly linked to cancer, Andrews clarified in an interview with Newsweek that overconsumption leading to obesity is a significant risk factor. Obesity contributes to at least 13 cancer types by promoting chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic changes.
What Diet Should You Follow?
Andrews advocates for a balanced diet that includes high-quality animal proteins such as fish, eggs, poultry, and lean meats, paired with a variety of vegetables. “This approach is sustainable, enjoyable, and scientifically supported for cancer risk reduction,” she explained.
She emphasized that her advice isn’t about strict eliminations but about being mindful of nutritional values, portion sizes, and overall lifestyle choices.
A Practical Approach
To maintain a healthy, cancer-preventative lifestyle, Andrews encouraged individuals to be curious about what’s in their food, how meals affect them, and how to create plates that are not only delicious but also nutritionally supportive.
In her own words: “Focus on sustainable goals that align with your usual lifestyle and a cancer prevention lifestyle supported by human data.”
