DoEs Coke Zero Cause Cancer?

1. What You Hear
  • Artificial sweeteners like those in Coke Zero definitely cause cancer.
  • Drinking diet sodas is as harmful as sugary sodas or worse.
  • All artificial sweeteners are carcinogenic.
  • Consuming any artificial sweetener means you'll get cancer eventually.
2. What The Science Says
  • Comprehensive reviews of 10 meta-analyses (35 datasets) show no overall significant link between artificial sweetener intake and total cancer risk.
  • No increased risk found for common cancers like colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, or overall cancer.
  • Some studies found a 28% increased liver cancer risk associated with artificially sweetened soda, but evidence is limited and calls for more research.
  • An inverse (potentially protective) association was noted for gynecological cancers, but this is tentative and needs further validation.
  • Associations are consistent across study types (prospective, case-control) and sweetener sources.
3. What Actually Causes Cancer
  • The top cancer risk factors are smoking, high alcohol consumption, obesity, and poor diet.
  • Excess body weight increases risk for many cancers.
  • Diets high in processed and red meats, sugary drinks, and low in fruits & vegetables contribute to cancer risk.
  • Environmental toxins, UV radiation, chronic infections, and genetic factors also play major roles.
  • Chronic inflammation, poor physical activity, and hormonal imbalances influence cancer development.
4. What This Means For You 
  • Artificial sweeteners and diet sodas like Coke Zero are generally safe in moderation based on current evidence.
  • Focus on limiting known harmful factors: quit smoking, reduce alcohol, maintain healthy weight, and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
  • Stay physically active and protect skin from excess sun.
  • Use artificial sweeteners as part of a balanced approach when reducing sugar intake.
  • Regular health screenings for cancer and vaccinations (like HPV) help early detection and prevention.
5. Where Everything You Read Above Came From
  • Abu-Zaid A, et al. (2025) Association of artificial sweeteners intake and risk of cancer: umbrella review of meta-analyses. Front Med. PMID: 40988757. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12450865/
  • Llaha F, et al. (2021) Consumption of sweet beverages and cancer risk: systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7915548/
  • Liu L, et al. (2021) Artificial sweeteners and occurrence of cancer: meta-analysis of case-control studies. Food Chem Toxicol. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8358351/
  • Huang X, et al. (2025) Association between risk factors and major cancers: insights from patient diagnosis histories. JMIR Cancer. https://cancer.jmir.org/2025/1/e62833
  • Cancer Research UK. Understanding the causes of cancer. (2019). https://www.cancerresearch.org/blog/what-causes-cancer-risk-factors
  • Raffles Medical Group. Cancer prevention tips. (2023). https://www.rafflesmedicalgroup.com/health-resources/health-articles/cancer-prevention-tips/
  • Gleneagles Hospital. 10 Tips to reduce cancer risk factors. (2025). https://gleneagles.com.my/health-digest/reduce-cancer-risk-factors