While researchers have been studying the connection between caffeine and cancer for years, there are still many unknowns, according to the American Cancer Society.
In fact, more than 1,000 studies have investigated the link, and those studies often have mixed results.
“Numerous studies have shown that coffee drinking is associated with a lower risk of dying from all causes of death. However, associations with cancer overall or with specific types of cancer are unclear,” according to interviews with Susan Gapstur, PhD, and Marjorie McCullough, ScD (doctor of science), two American Cancer Society researchers.
Experts from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found that the cancer-causing effect of drinking coffee is “unclassifiable.”
While research is inconclusive, cancer experts at the CyberKnife Center of Miami, compiled some of the latest findings.
Coffee and Cancer
The same group of researchers from the IARC found that coffee doesn’t cause breast, pancreas, or prostate cancers. It may also lower the risk of uterine and liver cancers.
Remember coffee beans also contain antioxidants, which may protect against cancer.
But here’s the flip side, some of the studies showed that the benefit of drinking coffee starts with those drinking four to six cups. That’s a lot of caffeine. Too much caffeine can contribute to other negative health effects like migraines, sleep issues and stomach problems.
Another issue is what you put in your coffee. Too much sugar or cream can lead to weight gain, and obesity and weight gain can be a factor in other cancers.
Oncology Nutrition, which is part of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, says research doesn’t support any link between coffee and cancer, even among those that drink a lot of caffeine.
However, lung cancer may be an exception. Some studies show a reduced risk of lung cancer for those who drink a lot of coffee. Other studies show no risk, or a small, escalated risk with heavy coffee consumption. The contradiction may have something to do with correlation between drinking coffee and smoking since smokers have a higher risk of lung cancer.
Also remember caffeine from coffee or tea is better for you than caffeine in sugary sodas. If you have questions about how much caffeine or coffee is too much, talk to your doctor since everyone is different.
Cancer Treatment Miami
At CyberKnife Miami, our patients ask us about the cancer and caffeine connection on a regular basis. And we are always happy to talk about their nutrition and dietary habits. That’s just part of our personalized care.
Cyberknife offers painless radiation treatments, which can be an alternative to surgery. Because of CyberKnife’s unique technology precision, we can treat even the most difficult cases, which otherwise may be deemed untreatable or inoperable.
CyberKnife’s image-guided robotics destroy tumor cells with pinpoint accuracy while leaving healthy tissue unharmed. We opened our doors in 2003 and were the first CyberKnife center to open in the Southeast. We have treated thousands of patients for cancerous and non-cancerous tumors as well as nerve disorders.
We treat spine, brain, breast, lung, kidney, pancreas, liver, prostate and head and neck tumors. We also treat lymphoma and other conditions in the body where radiation treatment is necessary.
CyberKnife Miami is a free-standing outpatient treatment center that anyone can come to for the treatment of medical issues requiring radiation.
If you are interested in learning more about CyberKnife Miami call us at 305-279-2900 or go to our website now www.cyberknifemiami.com.
We are here to help, and chances are we can help you or a loved one.