[Association Between Sucrose Intake and Cancer: a Review of the Evidence]

Objectives: The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence available about the association between sugar consumption, especially sucrose, and the risk of different types of cancer.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted of key reports, systematic reviews, meta-analysis as well as big prospective studies published after 2007 January 1 thru 2012 December 31 about the association between sugar consumption, especially sucrose, and the risk of cancer.

Results: Evidence of the association of the intake of mono and disaccharides with different types of cancer is insufficient or there is evidence of lack of association. There is only possible evidence of a positive relation between the intake of monosaccharides (fructose and glucose) and pancreatic cancer. Evidence about the association between monosaccharides intake and obesity is insufficient, as well as between the intake of sucrose or added sugars and the risk of obesity in adults and children. There is possible evidence of a positive association between glycemic index (GI) and colorectal cancer and that there is no association between GI and the risk of endometrial cancer, breast cancer and pancreas cancer.

Conclusion: More research is needed. Cohort studies are especially required and randomized intervention trials would be desirable, although these are difficult in this field.