Sugar and cancer

A new 9 year study from molecular biologists in Belgium links sugar with cancer.  The results of the study published in the journal Nature Communications helps explain a theory that oncologists have puzzled over for decades.

Almost all non-cancerous cells get their energy by aerobic respiration, a process that requires oxygen, releasing carbon dioxide as a by product.  Cancer cells prefer energy from fermenting sugar, even when ample oxygen is available to break down glucose.  This system is known as The Warburg effect. 

The researchers observed yeast cells in the lab and found the fermentation process actually stimulates the growth of tumours, this means that it can lead not only to cancer but also to the growth of tumours.  The findings suggest that Ras proteins (the most common cancer causing genes) fuel tumours with sugar, helping them rapidly multiply.

NOTE:  The journal Nature Communications is an open access peer reviewed scientific journal