The article "Do sugar drinks increase colorectal cancer risk?" by Gina Van Thomme of the MD Anderson Cancer Center claims that sugary drinks can directly cause cancer. Dr. Jihye Yun found through research that when the small intestine isn't able to absorb the amount of sugar that is consumed it is spilled into the large intestine and colon, which the fructose and high-fructose corn syrup can lead to a process called lipid synthesis, that contributes to tumor cell growth. Though the article doesn't explicitly say energy drinks, it is safe to say that they would be included in the broad category of sugary drinks, since they have more sugar than soda, a drink that was listed multiple times in the article. There is also a research study by the National Cancer Institute which is currently researching if there is a link between the taurine found in energy drinks, and colorectal cancer. The MD Anderson Cancer Center is a part of the University of Texas, and the National Cancer Institute is run by the United States government, leading me to believe that these are trustworthy sources. Based on my research I would say that this claim is likely not misinformation.
https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/do-sugary-drinks-increase-colorectal-cancer-risk.h00-159698334.html
https://www.cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials-search/v?id=NCI-2024-02154
