We all know it’s bad for our waistline, but we’ve just been given another reason to cut down on sugar.

A new study has found that sugar consumption may increase the risk of breast cancer.

The study, conducted at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, fed mice a sugar-enhanced Western diet and compared them to mice fed a non-sugar, starch-based diet.

The mice on the sugar-enhanced diet had a higher risk of developing breast tumours. It was also more likely that these would spread, leading to secondary cancers in the lungs. Mice that consumed a non-sugar diet were less likely to develop tumours.

Fructose found in table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup was particularly responsible for increased cancer development, according to co-author Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D.

These are both extremely common ingredients that are often added to junk food, processed foods and soft drink.

The researchers highlighted how important it is to moderate our sugar intake. They particularly noted the increase in sugar consumption in the US, as well as the link between sugar consumption and global obesity, heart disease and cancer.

It’s more reason than ever to limit processed foods and switch to sugar free.