Adolescent Added Sugar Consumption and Colon Cancer Risk in Hispanic Adults: A Public Health Perspective

Abstract

The rising global incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC), coupled with increasing rates of early-onset CRC, underscores the urgent need to identify modifiable risk factors. Among these, dietary habits during adolescence, particularly added sugar consumption, have gained significant attention. This literature review examines the association between adolescent sugar intake and CRC risk in Hispanic adults, a population uniquely affected by dietary patterns and health disparities. Current evidence suggests a potential positive link between high sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption during adolescence and increased CRC precursors, such as colorectal adenomas, and early-onset CRC risk in adulthood. However, findings remain inconsistent due to methodological limitations, including reliance on self-reported dietary data and limited research on Hispanic populations. Biological mechanisms, such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and insulin resistance, are explored to elucidate pathways linking sugar consumption to CRC risk. The review highlights significant research gaps, particularly the need for longitudinal studies and more comprehensive analyses of diverse Hispanic subgroups. From a public health perspective, culturally tailored interventions, including dietary education, SSB taxation, technology-based tools, and multi-sectoral collaboration, are essential to address CRC risk and health disparities in Hispanic communities. Further research is critical to developing effective prevention strategies and understanding the long-term impact of adolescent dietary habits on adult CRC risk.