The statement contains a biological truth but leaves out essential context. Cancer cells use glucose for energy, as healthy cells do. That does not establish that eating sugar directly makes a tumour grow faster.
The National Cancer Institute distinguishes cancer cells' glucose consumption from evidence about dietary sugar and cancer progression. Cancer Research UK likewise explains that cancer cells use several nutrients and that removing sugar from the diet does not selectively deprive them of fuel.
Diet and cancer still have important connections. High-sugar diets can contribute to excess weight, and obesity increases the risk of several cancers. This indirect relationship is different from the idea that sugar uniquely feeds cancer; the distinction does not establish that sugar intake is irrelevant to health.
Cancer cells use glucose, but that fact alone does not show that dietary sugar directly worsens cancer.
Cancer Research UK
Glucose supplies energy to cancer cells and healthy cells. This supports the literal metabolic meaning of the claim, but cancer cells also use other nutrients.
Based on: Cancer Research UK
National Cancer Institute
NCI reports no evidence that eating sugar makes cancer worse or that stopping sugar consumption makes cancer shrink or disappear.
Based on: National Cancer Institute
National Cancer Institute
A high-sugar diet can contribute to excess weight gain, while obesity is associated with increased risk of several cancers. This differs from sugar selectively feeding a tumour.
Based on: National Cancer Institute
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