Debunking the “Sugar Feeds Cancer” Myth
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which means many of us are thinking more about health and cancer prevention. It’s also a great time to address some of the misinformation that often creates unnecessary fear around food. One of the most persistent myths is that sugar "feeds" cancer. This idea has led a lot of people to feel guilty about enjoying sweet foods, even though science tells a very different story. So, let’s break it down and clear up the confusion.
The idea that sugar "feeds" cancer comes from a misunderstanding of how our bodies—and cancer cells—use glucose (a form of sugar). Yes, it’s true that cancer cells, like every cell in your body, need glucose for energy. But that’s where the truth ends, and the myth begins. Just because cancer cells use glucose doesn’t mean that eating sugar makes cancer grow.
Cancer is a complex disease that’s influenced by a wide range of factors, like genetics, environment, and lifestyle — not just diet. While cancer cells consume glucose at a faster rate than normal cells, cutting sugar or carbohydrates from your diet won’t stop cancer cells from using glucose. In fact, glucose comes from more than just sugary foods—carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, and grains also break down into glucose. Your body and brain rely on glucose to function, and depriving yourself of it won’t protect you from cancer. Instead, it can actually weaken your overall health.
It’s completely understandable why, when faced with something as scary as cancer, people may feel the need to regain a sense of control by making changes to their diet. But we can hold two truths: the desire for control is valid, and cancer is influenced by so many factors, most of which are beyond our control. Things like genetics, environment, and social determinants of health largely determine our cancer risk and development. No one food or nutrient causes or prevents cancer, and it’s unhelpful to put that burden on ourselves.
When we buy into diet culture’s fear of sugar, we start labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” which isn’t helpful and can create stress around eating. This fear-driven approach can make us feel guilty for enjoying foods that bring us pleasure. But the truth is, food isn’t just fuel—it’s also connection, joy, and satisfaction. Cutting out sugar to try to "protect" ourselves from cancer takes away more than just a food group; it chips away at our relationship with food and only leads us to feel disconnected from our body’s hunger and fullness cues. Instead of seeing sugar as the enemy, we can recognize it as part of a balanced, enjoyable way of eating.
The idea that you need to cut out sugar to prevent or fight cancer is not only scientifically unfounded, but it also encourages a harmful, restrictive mindset. For a lot of people, avoiding sugar turns into a constant struggle, where they end up feeling guilty or like they’ve failed if they “give in” to cravings. This all-or-nothing thinking about food isn’t good for your health—both physically and emotionally. Instead of fearing sugar, we can shift our attention to overall well-being. This means enjoying various foods (yes, including sugar) that satisfy us and make us feel good in both body and mind.
The idea that sugar directly feeds cancer is a myth that oversimplifies how our bodies work. While cancer cells do use glucose, just like all the other cells in our body, restricting sugar isn’t the solution. Cancer is far more complex than that, and fear-based dietary restrictions won’t prevent or cure it. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s shift our focus away from food fears and empower ourselves with accurate information. Let’s concentrate on nourishing our bodies in ways that make us feel strong, energized, and fulfilled. You deserve to enjoy your food and nourish your body without fear. Let’s work together to make space for food freedom and well-being.
