Are there foods that cause cancer?

The consumption of certain foods has been linked to an increased likelihood of developing certain cancers, particularly cancers of the digestive system. One well-established link is between stomach cancer and foods that contain nitrates and nitrites, such as deli meats or pickled vegetables, says the American Cancer Society.

Consumption of red meat may be linked to cancers of the colon and the breast, according to WebMD. When vegetables that contain the amino acid asparagine are cooked at very high temperatures, they may form a chemical known as acrylamide, which may increase the risk of cancer, states the National Cancer Institute. For this reason, deep-fried foods may contribute to cancer risk.