Sugar And Cancer Cells
What Parents Should Consider When Fighting Childhood Cancer
In the ongoing fight against cancer, sugar—a simple carbohydrate—has become a topic of research and debate. While it is widely accepted that too much sugar is unhealthy, some medical experts argue that sugar is cancer’s primary energy source and should be entirely eliminated. Others contend, however, that sugar is essential for noncancerous cells, particularly during treatment. This blog post does not aim to support one view over the other but instead seeks to provide parents with relevant information to consider when deciding on the best course of treatment for a child diagnosed with cancer.
Cancer Cells
Cells are the basic units of life, with the human body containing trillions of these microscopic structures. Their essential functions include transporting nutrients and wastes, creating energy, communicating, and replicating (through growth, repair, and reproduction).[1] Cancer begins in the replication process when the normal function of cell production “breaks down, and abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they shouldn’t.”[2]
Cancerous cells are generally thought to use more energy than healthy cells due to their unique way of processing macronutrients.[3] These macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—are necessary for cells to survive. Since sugar is the easiest carbohydrate to break down, all cells in the human body, cancerous and noncancerous alike, prefer it as their primary energy source.[4]
Sugar Discoveries
In the 1920s, early cancer research found that cancerous cells behave differently from normal cells. Dr. Otto Warburg observed that cancer cells produce energy through a series of chemical reactions that consume high amounts of glucose (sugar).[5] Later research confirmed that cancerous cells use more sugar because they metabolize it inefficiently.
While healthy cells “burn the entire molecule of sugar” to maximize energy, cancer cells only partially break down sugar molecules, making them highly inefficient.[6] As a result, cancerous cells require large amounts of sugar to generate enough energy to survive and, potentially, to multiply and spread.
Building on Dr. Warburg’s findings, many researchers believe in fighting cancer by “starving” it of sugar. This treatment approach theorizes that, by eliminating sugar from a patient’s diet, cancer cells will eventually die from the lack of their main energy source. This approach rests on the idea that cancerous cells cannot adapt effectively to alternative energy sources, unlike healthy cells.[7]
Most Supporting Research
While most supporting research has been conducted on lab animals, proponents cite many cancer survivors who believe they are still alive due to sugar elimination during treatment.[8] Some studies suggest that removing dietary sugar may also enhance the effectiveness of certain anticancer drugs. For example, researchers in China concluded that “strict control of sugar in cancer patients may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy.”[9]
Although Dr. Warburg’s findings support the sugar-starvation approach, other cancer specialists argue that this reliance is misplaced, as cancer has been shown to have multiple energy sources, including amino acids and lipids, alongside glucose.[10] Critics of sugar elimination contend that when sugar is removed, the body will simply adapt to find an alternative energy source.[11] Researchers have also found that the body can maintain adequate glucose levels without dietary sugar intake.[12]
Treatment and Side Effects
Cancer treatments often cause side effects, including loss of appetite. Thus, many medical and dietary experts are concerned about weight loss and malnutrition, especially in children who need extra calories during treatment.[13] Many doctors, therefore, allow these patients to eat whatever they can, including sugar. Although some physicians acknowledge that sugar removal might benefit certain cancer patients, they worry that strict elimination could harm others.[14]
While the conventional medical community remains divided on sugar consumption during treatment, holistic cancer treatment supporters are generally in agreement. Most holistic experts believe that overall health for cancer patients, including children, is best achieved with a balanced diet that includes small amounts of sugar.[15] According to these experts, total sugar elimination is nearly impossible and can be stressful, particularly for children.[16] For holistic professionals, moderation—rather than elimination—is key.[17]
Sugar Acceptance
Though generally accepting of limited sugar intake, the holistic treatment community is specific about the types of sugar that should be consumed. To stay strong during treatment, holistic specialists advise cancer patients to avoid foods with “added sugar,” such as processed snacks, sugary foods, and drinks.[18] Instead, they recommend natural sugars from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which the body processes more slowly.[19] This slower processing not only helps maintain consistent blood sugar levels, which aids patients during cancer treatment but also supports overall health.[20] This approach is essential for children who are fighting cancer while still physically developing.
With such conflicting information on sugar consumption during cancer treatment, what should parents do? Unfortunately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer, as each cancer journey is unique. When considering an approach to sugar intake during treatment, parents should independently educate themselves and consult their child’s cancer treatment team. By doing so, parents can feel confident they are making the best possible choice for their child in the battle against cancer.
Please Note
*This blog post is not intended in any manner as medical, nutritional, and/or mental health advice and should not be used as such nor in any way replace consultation, recommendations, or advice from medical, nutritional, and/or mental health professionals.
References
[1] Cells. byjus.com. Accessed in October 2024. https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fbyjus.com%2fbiology%2fcells%2f&c=E,1,CWGCKqWXIAPTsF7M1mm1kxPyo7yiM5G80ecahG2ZDktAI1Rh-qMwPPXRV22iJigbBEr8DQPrwIJKg-4szD3rwAweN96zgV_xG5UGj7jvcro2AtCAyR-b&typo=1
[2] What is cancer? www.cancer.gov. Accessed in October 2024.
[3] Biology of glucose metabolization in cancer cells. sciencedirect.com. Accessed in October 2024. https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.sciencedirect.com%2fscience%2farticle%2fpii%2fS2452336417300420&c=E,1,PoLx9bsc8OYACF4otKiw4g5sRpUIlXl9nfjXeVlk9tAHbEtbbemhlVAW_kBE4IIUd-85ro4Upy9lDJzvT1vtLKJL5KuROxRVsGncfmOXBHdX36zmC2cWRcs,&typo=1
[4] Cavalier A. Does sugar feed cancer? National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Accessed in October 2024. https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.nationalbreastcancer.org%2fblog%2fdoes-sugar-feedcancer%2f&c=E,1,BymX4C3T66gvqYcG9SHMALStlUKp8fDRFISDhjtQM2rmwQd2PB3l64mfqjPHQBcjQLbqVqOEFRdN9tRQrXbXArSF60JypD6ZXrnf4b169Wnta-fD0Tt006sCXg0I&typo=1
[5] Sweet revenge: taking advantage of cancer cells’ hunger for sugar and other nutrients. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Accessed in October 2024. https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.mskcc.org%2fnews%2fsweet-revenge-taking-advantage-cancer-cells-hunger-sugar-and-other-nutrients&c=E,1,LJJjZHKhCa9D8eKBx5dQU7UwAhCQu7s7oSowBVdO2eRJE4iIGv72DJGkLhHLicCFEGkDEm5f7xNBvu0mX5QI90g45lnssqlyrnEadYDizBe8SHjWKI7VRJvg,,&typo=1
Additional resources
[6] Metabolism. Cancer Quest – Emory Winship Cancer Institute. Accessed in October 2024. https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcancerquest.org%2fcancer-biology%2fcancer-metabolism&c=E,1,XgeKmd-Ny8rLZ7IDMR98Z6_U4g8UhAwxg94FFJwyEPSvqMYOr7a_skZ-7xJ-lGwtdR0n9ca2SSMIKnjZnlj0ObcnYK-ziVWmLe0xkuUzRq3C7F49&typo=1
[7] Johnson L. Beating cancer: how cutting sugar reversed one man’s death sentence. The Christian Broadcasting Network Inc. Accessed in October 2024. https://www.cbn.com/news/health/beating-cancer-how-cutting-sugar-reversed-one-mans-death-sentence
[8] Johnson L. Beating cancer: how cutting sugar reversed one man’s death sentence. The Christian Broadcasting Network Inc. Accessed in October 2024. https://www.cbn.com/news/health/beating-cancer-how-cutting-sugar-reversed-one-mans-death-sentence
Mathena, L. Against all odds. Life Extension Magazine. Accessed in October 2024. https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.lifeextension.com%2fmagazine%2f2020%2f1%2fwellness-profile&c=E,1,Km8G6GWSCG5wcgsIwhNnuwcG8PEWRImJ6phcr66dzGReXNvhRvN92_mblStqkbnml-L9kh87EyOiEuUuroyCPjEYH3lfFu72Kd1b2Vdr&typo=1
[9] Li W, Zhang X, Sang H, et al. Effects of hyperglycemia on the progression of tumor diseases. Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research. Accessed in October 2024. https://jeccr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13046-019-1309-6
[10] Mathena L. Against all odds. Life Extension Magazine. Accessed in October 2024. https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.lifeextension.com%2fmagazine%2f2020%2f1%2fwellness-profile&c=E,1,Km8G6GWSCG5wcgsIwhNnuwcG8PEWRImJ6phcr66dzGReXNvhRvN92_mblStqkbnml-L9kh87EyOiEuUuroyCPjEYH3lfFu72Kd1b2Vdr&typo=1
[11] Tontonoz M. Beyond sugar: what cancer needs to grow. Sloan Kettering Institute. Accessed in October 2024. https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.mskcc.org%2fnews%2fbeyond-sugar-what-cancer-cells-need-grow&c=E,1,2l2fojjHBl2OhDaQpMBA73rqrBtvAJ2R9wFn6Z55Th0Q6NLGDPpSS1iBl_wFE7OI8A7a-thzWowbwn6dy4C10EwCbTXHAkEHog3Lwd2aHMc,&typo=1
[12] Sweet revenge: taking advantage of cancer cells’ hunger for sugar and other nutrients. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Accessed in October 2024. https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.mskcc.org%2fnews%2fsweet-revenge-taking-advantage-cancer-cells-hunger-sugar-and-other-nutrients&c=E,1,LJJjZHKF-hCa9D8eKBx5dQU7UwAhCQu7s7oSowBVdO2eRJE4iIGv72DJGkLhHLicCFEGkDEm5f7xNBvu0mX5QI90g45lnssqlyrnEadYDizBe8SHjWKI7VRJvg,,&typo=1
[13] Nutrition needs for kids with cancer (for parents). kidshealth.org. Accessed in October 2024. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cancer-nutrition.html
[14] Blackburn K. The keto diet and cancer: what patients should know. MD Anderson Cancer Center. Accessed in October 2024. https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.mdanderson.org%2fcancerwise%2fthe-keto-diet-and-cancer–what-patients-should-know.h00-159223356.html&c=E,1,Wf53K42XiOyw-fZzTd2S_AlH97SzGavppjr1Q4gyM3w0WlfpC59ZvBypENJ7nx9W2iM_FI1jNCgR0C5dJ_gP8mAIxJbFvuKd0RlyiOSISxJDNl0,&typo=1
[15]Andrews N. Sugar does not feed cancer. The Oncology Dietitian. Accessed in October 2024. https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2ftheoncologydietitian.com%2f2023%2f09%2f17%2fsugar-does-not-feed-cancer%2f&c=E,1,nU4lxpR9JH9NmOrDob5eVkb7lnOTViWsaJnETr3KggnBhqOc-nsM655zx2YiS0sF0HK2zLiMp_xR0sC49rmb7g36b3cBt_4EipgLJhOrnBAbJ_ssSxCFYf7BYw,,&typo=1
[16] Martin M. Myth v. truth: sugar and cancer. Pearl Point Cancer Support. Accessed in October 2024. https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.lls.org%2farticle%2fmyth-vs-truth-sugar-and-cancer&c=E,1,r-joVIf9yrbU9uHJWjWGXYApHmfSju_0Z6iRJjs6pJD65f81RnR0yTmGbP98qB5WTkBEOcRZQxc0e_lAlILX2CiemhEcHfeSUDLkrqdaR7QsDYxID3r_ZDs,&typo=1
[17] Levy E. Should cancer patients avoid sugar? 5 things to know. MD Anderson Cancer Center. Accessed in October 2024. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/sugar-and-cancer-treatment–4-things-patients-should-know-.h00-159144456.html
[18] A dietitian dispels 3 myths about eating well with cancer. cancersupportcommunity.org. Accessed in October 2024. https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.cancersupportcommunity.org%2fblog%2fdietitian-dispels-3-myths-eating-well-cancer&c=E,1,IcTIhFsEsAVP8K8q-LA5SKlAYEKApFCQb314q1FgM6lk6Vo94TdVMo75AAOmBZ3vi5D_0Mra7mLZt1KXqlzCmXRAWmZk3Lfns2UySzZsJCxmZVDZgEi_E58,&typo=1
[19] Cherney K. Simple carbohydrates vs. complex carbohydrates. healthline.com. Accessed in October 2024. https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.healthline.com%2fhealth%2ffood-nutrition%2fsimple-carbohydrates-complex-carbohydrates&c=E,1,rOnrLrnhV89bg4a2NY1XpOg0XAfYWeam2zY9Ncuh83Y8XsNJ8Ase2hoxqSftPhSZk3vMXmYUcOKOQymwlJgn1djzjgE-SZHNNmJYDyGD&typo=1
[20] Levy E. Should cancer patients avoid sugar? 5 things to know. MD Anderson Cancer Center. Accessed in October 2024. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/sugar-and-cancer-treatment–4-things-patients-should-know-.h00-159144456.html
