Lung and breast cancer are two of the most common forms of cancer. While there isn’t any one particular food that can cause breast or lung cancer, there are foods which can increase the risk of cancer. Many foods are good at reducing the likelihood of cancer. Examples of these good foods include a variety of fruits, vegetables and salads. According to some researchers, 30-40% of all cancers occur because of dietary factors.

Below you will find some of the top cancer causing foods:

1. Processed meats
Processed meats are known to be high in fat, salt, and preservatives. Things which are high in fat, salt and preservatives increase the likelihood of breast cancer.

2. Microwave popcorn
Microwave popcorn is one of the most common types of food eaten while watching a movie. There are also some dangers associated with microwave popcorn that can increase your likelihood of getting cancer. This danger does not come from the popcorn but from the bags the popcorn is microwaved in. Microwave bags contain a chemical compound called perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). When this compound breaks down it is capable of getting in your bloodstream and staying there for a long time. The FDA in 2016 banned these chemicals in food packaging. The healthiest way to eat popcorn is using a kettle machine and putting on your own butter and salt. Any high salt item can increase the odds of cancer.

3. Soda or pop
Soda pop has been known to cause or contribute to several diseases of the body. Soda pop has a lot of sugar in it. According to a scientific study, a diet with a high sugar intake promotes the development of breast cancer. One of the negative things about soda pop and other drinks sweetened with sugar and syrup is that they are high in the Glycemic Index(GI). A team from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston did a study on 1,905 people who were diagnosed with lung cancer. In this study, they found out that people who had foods or drinks with high GI’s were 50% more likely to get lung cancer.

4. Refined white flours
Refined ‘white’ flours also have very high GI’s. These flours can be found in many processed foods like white bread, donuts, bagels, and breakfast cereals which lack fiber. Overall, it is a good idea to avoid processed foods including refined ‘white’ flours.

5. ‘Diet’ foods
Sucralose (Splenda), saccharin and aspartame which are some of the most common artificial sweeteners have been linked to cancer. You will find a lot of these chemicals in diet soda drinks.

6. Refined sugars
Refined sugar is a processed form of sugar that originates from sugar beets or sugar cane. In its typical form it is known as sucrose. Many processed foods will add this even though there is no nutritional value. Refined sugars get broken down quickly by the body and this causes your insulin and blood sugar levels to skyrocket. This excess sugar will form fat. Obesity has been linked to certain types of cancer including breast cancer.