Researchers analyzed data from 11 large population studies involving more than 1.5 million adult participants and published their findings in JAMA Network Open (1).
Participants were followed for nearly 18 years, during which more than 2,800 cases of liver cancer were recorded, according to MedPage Today.
The researchers emphasize that the findings come from observational studies. As a result, they cannot prove that any specific beverage directly causes cancer. Other factors may also play a role.
Previous concerns
Previous research has repeatedly suggested that sugary drinks may be associated with various forms of cancer.
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Other studies have found links to oral cancer and colorectal cancer in women, among other conditions.
According to researchers behind a commentary on the new study published in JAMA Network Open (2), a high intake of sugar may affect the body's metabolism, increase fat accumulation in the liver, and cause changes that could raise the risk of disease over time.
Surprising findings
When the researchers initially examined liver cancer as a single disease category, they found no clear association between either sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened beverages and the overall risk of liver cancer.
However, the picture changed when they looked at individual types of liver cancer.
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The researchers found that people with a higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages had an increased risk of two specific forms of liver cancer, known as HCC and ICC.
For artificially sweetened beverages, the researchers found no similar association.
Sources: MedPage Today, JAMA Network Open (1), and JAMA Network Open (2).
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