Sugary Drinks Tied to Spike in Colorectal Cancer By Kate Johnson May 10, 2021 -- Drinking too many sugar-sweetened beverages in adolescence and young adulthood could partially explain the recent rapid rise in early-onset colorectal cancer — at least in women, according to a new study. The study found that women who recalled drinking two or more of these drinks each day in adolescence had a twofold increase in the risk of colorectal cancer before the age of 50, compared to those who had only one such drink per week or less. However, experts warn the findings are based on small numbers and do not prove a direct connection.