Your Sugary Soda Habit Could Raise Your Oral Cancer Risk, New Study Says

If you’re a fan of drinks like soda, teas and sweetened juice, you’re likely consuming sugar-sweetened beverages. These drinks typically contain added sugars, which are added to the products during processing. It’s well known that consuming excessive amounts of added sugar on a regular basis can lead to some health concerns, including obesity, heart disease, dental cavities and gastrointestinal disease—and according to a new study, it could even lead to oral cancer. 

A recent study published on March 13, 2025, in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery highlights the links between consuming sugar-sweetened beverages and increased cancer risk. Let’s break down what they found.

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How Was This Study Conducted and What Did It Find?

Using data from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and Nurses’ Health Study II—two parts of a long-running series of studies that began in 1976—these researchers traced the beverage habits and health outcomes of more than 160,000 women. The women included had an average age of 43 years at the beginning of the study, and researchers had access to data from 30 years of follow-up with the participants. The NHS also collected information about other confounding factors, including smoking habits, race, alcohol intake, body mass index and age, among others.

For the purposes of the study, sugar-sweetened beverages were defined as caffeinated and non-caffeinated sodas with sugar, non-cola carbonated beverages with sugar and non-carbonated sweetened beverages (such as lemonade and sweet tea). 

The study aimed to examine the increasing prevalence of oral cavity cancer in young people, even those without other behaviors linked to cancer, such as smoking. In particular, researchers noted that an increased number of cases have been reported in women who do not smoke, prompting the study authors to look for factors that could be at play.

The results indicated that the women who consumed one or more sugar-sweetened beverages a day were 4.87 times more likely to develop oral cavity cancer, with 124 cases of the cancer diagnosed over time. The rate increased slightly for those who smoked or drank either lightly or not at all—those participants who drank one or more sugar-sweetened drinks each day were 5.46 times more likely to develop oral cavity cancer.

The authors also mention that the baseline risk of developing oral cavity cancer is low, so it’s important that research continues to be done so that there’s a more concrete understanding of the link between the overall risk and beverage consumption. The sample size was also limited to women, so a more extensive study that includes men would be helpful in understanding just how pertinent the connection is.

The Bottom Line

While additional research still needs to be conducted to confirm these findings, it’s still worth keeping in mind when considering your sipping habits. After all, we do know that excess sugar consumption can have a slew of negative health effects, including a higher risk of inflammation and diabetes. 

If you’re looking to cut back on sugary drinks, there are plenty of no-added sugar options that can make a welcome substitute. Finding healthier alternatives in your diet and lifestyle can help you feel your best.