These diet mistakes could increase your risk of cancer

Researchers say 5.2 per cent of all new invasive cancer cases that occur annually in the US are due to "suboptimal diet". A new study has identified two diet mistakes that have an association with cancer.

Not consuming enough dairy and whole-grains are the big factors that are contributing to the rise in cancer cases. The team also found red and processed meats, and very sweet beverages may also be reasons why so many people are developing the disease.

Suboptimal diets contributed to 38.3 per cent of all colorectal cancer cases in 2015, while diet was linked to 25.9 per cent of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx, according to the study's findings. Diet alone may also be the reason for close to 80,000 new invasive cancer cases in Americans in 2015.The team also stated that middle-aged men and some ethnic minorities are more prone to the disease due to diet.

While unhealthy food choices increase the risk of some forms of cancer, researchers say a diet that lacks the right nutrition can also cause the disease. "Diet is among the few modifiable risk factors for cancer prevention, "study author Dr Fang Fang Zhang told a news portal. Adding, "These findings underscore the need for reducing cancer burden and disparities in the US by improving the intake of key food groups and nutrients of Americans."

The study's findings suggest a well-balanced diet that does not exclude carbohydrate or protein is the best way to stay healthy and protect yourself from serious health conditions. Researchers hope the findings urge people to make a change in their diet for the better and to evaluate the kinds of foods they are currently consuming.

The study's findings were originally published in the journal JNCI Cancer Spectrum.