A heartbreaking case from Taiwan has raised public concern after three members of the same family were diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer. Following thorough medical evaluations, doctors traced the root cause back to a long-standing dietary habit that seemed harmless—but proved dangerously toxic over time.

Dr. Liu Ji-Ding, a hematology and oncology specialist at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, recently shared a video titled “Is Cancer Linked to Being Too Frugal? These Habits Might Be Bringing You Closer to Cancer.” In it, he recounted meeting a family where all three members developed gastrointestinal cancer due to one shared routine: frequently eating leftover food that had been stored overnight or for days.

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Dangerous Habits in the Name of Saving Money

Throughout his 30-year career, Dr. Liu has encountered numerous patients whose attempts to save money backfired on their health. Some of the most common “frugal” practices he warns against include:

• Buying discounted fruits and vegetables that are no longer fresh

• Cutting off moldy parts of fruit and eating the rest

• Consuming expired food

• Frequently eating overnight leftovers, especially rice or soup

• Reusing cooking oil multiple times

• Regularly eating processed or pre-packaged foods

• Turning off the kitchen exhaust fan immediately after cooking

• Skipping regular health check-ups

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The Hidden Dangers of Spoiled or Improperly Stored Food

Dr. Liu warns that moldy food may contain aflatoxins, a type of mycotoxin known to increase the risk of liver cancer when consumed over time. Additionally, expired products can harbor harmful bacteria, leading to digestive issues, gut damage, and possibly creating an environment where cancer cells can thrive.

He also highlights that refrigerated vegetables left overnight—especially leafy greens—can produce nitrosamines, compounds that are associated with a higher risk of gastrointestinal cancer. Moreover, improper use of kitchen ventilation allows harmful cooking fumes to linger in the air, increasing the risk of lung-related diseases, including cancer.

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Expert Advice: Health First, Frugality Second

“Being frugal is a virtue, but never at the expense of your health,” Dr. Liu emphasizes.

His recommendations include:

• Prioritize fresh, high-quality produce—even if it costs a bit more

• Discard any food that shows signs of mold completely

• Avoid consuming expired items, no matter how recent the date

• Limit consumption of leftovers, especially those kept for over 24 hours

• Always use a kitchen exhaust fan before and after cooking (at least 3–5 minutes post-cooking)

• Get regular medical check-ups to catch health issues early

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Final Thoughts

The tragic case of this family serves as a powerful reminder: seemingly small habits can accumulate into major health risks. While saving money is important, it should never come at the cost of your well-being. Prioritize safe eating habits, proper food storage, and regular health screenings to protect yourself and your loved ones from preventable dangers.