Every year, cancer is responsible for more than 1.6 million deaths worldwide. More than 30% of those who die from cancer are under 65-years of age. Cancer statistics for children are even grimmer. In the United States, an average of 1,842 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, with many undergoing Pediatric Oncology Clinical Trials for l eukemias, brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors, and lymphomas, and approximately 1,500 die from this disease annually. While different types of cancers have different causes and contributing factors, studies have shown that what we eat can contribute to several types of cancer development. For instance, the following foods that kids love are linked to cancer:

1. Ice cream

Ice cream is linked to cancer because it contains whole milk and many artificial sweeteners. Studies show that products made from whole milk, like cheese and ice cream, contribute to certain types of cancer, particularly prostate cancer, due to milk’s high saturated fat, calcium, and hormone content. Artificial sweeteners are often used in store-bought ice creams to increase the shelf life of foods. Although there are fewer studies specifically on the effects of growth hormones found in the production of whole milk dairy products, scientists believe that diets with high dairy content could alter vitamin D and testosterone levels, contributing to cancer later on.

2. Hot dogs

Kids love hot dogs and other deli meats like ham, sausage and bacon, however, these processed red meats are considered harmful because they contain many chemicals and preservatives. A recent study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) found that hot dogs contain about three-quarters of a pound of salt, about half the recommended amount a child should consume daily. In fact, the World Health Organization classified meat that has been salted, cured, fermented, or smoked as a carcinogen, and considers that a hot dog each day raises the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 18 percent.

3. Potato chips

We already know that chips are unhealthy because they contain trans fats and many artificial ingredients. The synthetic ingredients in potato chips include flavorings, dyes, and artificial sweeteners. Flavorings and coloring make ultra processed look more appetizing; however, they can also cause an increase in the overall risk of developing many types of cancer—including breast and colorectal cancer.

4. Sugary juice boxes

Juice boxes are another food kids love that can be harmful. Although they are marketed as “fruit juice”, juice boxes actually contain little in the way of nutrition because of their high sugar content. For instance, one 16-ounce juice box has about 11 tablespoons or 130 grams of sugar. According to several studies just one sugary drink per day raises the risk of liver, prostate, ovary, and gallbladder cancers later in life.

5. Processed or cured meats

Processed or cured meats refer to food treated by salting, maturing, smoking, curing, or other processes for preservation. These foods can be found in deli meats, hot dogs, sausages, and many other foods. Processed meats have been linked to colorectal cancer and stomach cancer. There is some evidence that eating red meat, processed meat could raise your risk of lung cancer. Another study from the World Cancer Research Fund International discovered that those who consumed the most processed meat had a 23% higher risk of developing colon cancer.

6. Diet soda

Like juice boxes, diet soda is considered a beverage kids should only drink in moderation. According to an Australian study, drinking just one soft drink per day, even if it’s diet, raises the risk for liver, prostate, ovary, and gallbladder cancer. In fact, several studies have linked artificial sweeteners to obesity, stroke, and dementia, as well as to a higher development of cancer.

7. Candy containing palm oil

We all know the main ingredient in candy is refined sugar, and eating too much dietary sugar is most definitely linked to cancer. One study found that women who’d consumed high levels of processed sweets increased their risk of breast cancer by 27 percent. Scientists believe that sugar increases glucose and insulin, and thus boosts estrogen levels—contributing to breast cancer over time. Further studies also note that sugar stimulates tumor growth.

If you are worried about cancer development in your family, please talk to your doctor about safe foods and lifestyle habits you and your loved ones can adopt to stay healthy and prevent cancer development. As leading cancer research continues to show us how diet and cancer go hand in hand, consider donating to a cancer research center, like St. Jude cancer hospital donation and Dana Farber Jimmy fund donation to help further cancer research.