Whether it’s prostate cancer, lung cancer, or breast cancer, they all may be linked to similar carcinogens that cause the disease. As such, your diet plays a huge role in your risk of developing cancer—regardless of the type. So, if you want to avoid a cancer diagnosis, gruelling medical treatments, frequent visits to health care clinics, and participating in clinical research, you’ll want to avoid these worst foods that increase your risk of cancer:

1. Alcohol
Alcohol is broken down by the liver to form acetaldehyde, which is carcinogenic. This compound results in DNA damage and an increase in oxidative stress, while also interfering with immune function. With this block to your immune system, it makes it more challenging for your body to target precancerous and cancerous cells.

2. Deep-fried foods
When starchy foods, such as french fries, potato chips, and onion rings, are cooked at high temperatures, the carcinogenic compound acrylamide can be formed. This compound damages DNA and results in cell death, as well as increasing oxidative stress and inflammation that cause a higher risk of cancer.

3. Overcooked or burnt food
Overcooking your food results in carcinogens. This is especially found in meats, as when you cook it at a high heat, carcinogenic PAHs and heterocyclic amines are created—these alter the DNA of your cells and in turn can increase your risk of cancer. Avoid high temp cooking methods like grilling, barbecuing, and pan-frying, and instead opt for poaching, pressure cooking, baking at lower temperatures, and slow-cooking in a crock pot.

4. Sugar and refined carbohydrates
Sweetened drinks, baked goods, white pasta, white rice, sugary cereals, and white bread are all examples of sugary foods and refined carbs, which indirectly increase your risk for cancer. This is because the consumption of these foods may cause you to develop type 2 diabetes and obesity, conditions that promote inflammation and oxidative stress. Hence, the indirect risk of cancer, as inflammation and oxidative stress lead to higher cancer risk. Reach for whole-grains instead as a healthy alternative.

5. Processed meat
Hot dogs, salami, sausage, beef jerky, and other processed meats are loaded with preservatives and go through curing processes that can create carcinogens. It’s best to limit or eliminate your intake of processed meats that have been preserved by salting, curing, canning, or smoking.

6. Dairy products
Some evidence demonstrates the consumption of dairy as increasing the risk of prostate cancer. Dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and more, can increase levels of insulin-like growth factor 1, potentially increasing the production of prostate cancer cells. Today, there are many non-dairy options for certain products, like milk—you can try almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, oat milk, and more.