While diet alone isn’t a foolproof method to ward off cancer, certain foods can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Eating a diet high in fat and low in fiber may elevate the risk of several types of cancer for adults, particularly affecting the colon, lungs and uterus. In an informative TikTok video, cancer dietitian and health specialist Nichole (@oncology.nutrition.rd) shared two foods she steers clear of to lower her cancer risk and promote a healthier, stronger body.
In her below clip, the creator says: “as a cancer dietitian, I know that you’re being told a lot of different things increase cancer risk, but actually when it comes to foods there’s only two.” She continues: “this is such good news because it opens up so many food options that you can have and enjoy and not worry that it’s increasing cancer risk. Nichole goes on to say that “the only two at consumption that will increase cancer risk is alcohol and number two is processed meats.”
A Cancer Dietitian Names 2 Foods Women Over 40 Should Avoid to Reduce Cancer Risk
1. Alcohol
"Alcohol contains ethanol, this is any type of alcohol and no, red wine does not give you antioxidants," Nichole reveals. She adds that "it's increasing risk of six different cancers when you consume any alcohol." Her advice? "Take out and remove the alcohol." If you reduce the amount of alcohol you intake, "you're improving and helping to reduce your risk."
As she stresses: "honestly it'd be best to completely remove it all together." The specialist emphasized that the crucial factor is the quantity of pure alcohol consumed, regardless of the type of drink. Every alcoholic beverage carries a risk, and the likelihood of cancer rises with higher ethanol intake.
2. Processed Meats
Next, Nichole suggested avoiding processed meats in 2025 if you want to reduce your cancer risk through dietary choices. She clarified: "that's going be like deli sandwich meats, bacon, sausages, anything that's precooked at the store." She recommended: "take it out and cook fresh meats, and have those instead."
The dietitian continued: "fresh meats are fine but processed meats, they have to go due to the increased risk of colorectal cancer." Processed meats are cured, smoked, or preserved in other ways that can create harmful chemicals like nitrates and nitrites, which can convert into carcinogenic compounds in the body, making them one of the few foods that can increase your risk of cancer. The World Health Organization has even classified processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen.
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The Bottom Line
There’s a significant amount of discussion about foods that are said to heighten your risk of cancer. If you're committed to upholding a nutritious diet, aiming for longevity, and reducing your chances of illness, you might already have a mental list of foods and drinks to steer clear of.
The creator concluded her video by saying: "That's it, so yes, you can drink diet soda and have seed oils, and buy conventional produce and enjoy soy." She went on to note that "so many other foods that people are telling you are increasing cancer risk are not," and that alcohol and processed meats are best to avoid in the new year.
