Minh’s story isn’t unique. Many young people today overlook early signs of serious illnesses, mistaking them for minor issues. Sore throats, for example, are common. But when one persists for weeks, is accompanied by hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or ear pain, it could indicate something much more serious. In Minh’s case, it was cancer linked to prolonged exposure to certain dietary and lifestyle risks.

According to his doctor, Minh’s cancer may have been accelerated by two dangerous items that are present in many households: processed meats and sugary beverages—especially those stored long-term in the fridge. These two items, though convenient and widely consumed, have been linked by numerous studies to increased cancer risk, particularly cancers of the throat, stomach, and colon.