Pancreatic Cancer: The Latest Reason Not To Consume Soft Drinks

A recent study led by researchers at the University of Minnesota found that people who drink two or more sweetened soft drinks a week have a much higher risk of pancreatic cancer, an unusual but deadly cancer (Reuters).

Soft drinks have been all over the news recently, and are often blamed for the increase in obesity and diabetes, especially among young people. For a while, some critics were even suggesting that cities implement a soft-drink tax to help offset related healthcare costs.

The study, which was conducted over 14 years and included over 60,000 participants in Singapore, found that those who consume two or more sweetened soft drinks per week have an 87 percent higher risk of pancreatic cancer.

“The high levels of sugar in soft drinks may be increasing the level of insulin in the body, which we think contributes to pancreatic cancer cell growth,” said Mark Pereira of the University of Minnesota, who led the study.

The study, which was published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, found that over the course of the 14 year investigation, 140 of the volunteers who drank two or more soft drinks a day developed pancreatic cancer.

The study included a control group of people who drank mostly fruit juice instead of sodas, and they were not found to have the same risk of developing cancer.

Although this study concluded that drastically increased sugar levels likely contributed to the higher risk, researchers cautioned that people who drink sweetened sodas regularly often have other poor health habits that can lead to weight gain and other health complications.

For more information on this issue, please read:

Self-Serve Soda Fountains: Serving up Fecal Bacteria

Can’t Lose Weight? Soda’s Dirty Little Secret

Read more: cancer, eating well, food, health policy, soft drinks

Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons - dano

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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clara H.

11:26AM PDT on Jul 1, 2011

Chandra : No I don't think they are but too many times people try to tell you what to do.

Hcg: A vegan diet is not for everyone you need to realize that some might need meat or animal protein.

send a green star

Beverley A.

11:45PM PDT on May 25, 2010

People that suffer from "type two" diabetes are typically overweight, no doubt in part to the consumption of lots of soft drinks. I never had soft drink as a child, and consequently, have no great taste for it as an adult.

PARENTS - be advised. Encourage your children to drink milk, cordial or water, rather than soft drinks. It will also be better for the planet with less plastic bottles being sold.

Michelle R.

6:05PM PST on Mar 7, 2010

Happy to say I kicked this habit months ago.

Anubandh S.

4:09AM PST on Mar 1, 2010

cancer or not they are anyways horrible

Kaye S.

6:37AM PST on Feb 28, 2010

I know, it is so scarey. As a Diabetic we are grateful for sugar substitutes, but how good is that. How good is eating any of the food grown in our country!

Elaine D.

8:53AM PST on Feb 24, 2010

I am glad now I don't drink soft drinks but next they will yell at me for Kool aide

Marya G.

3:41PM PST on Feb 22, 2010

I wish I didn't like soft drinks!

Shailja M.

9:36AM PST on Feb 21, 2010

its a surprise to me, and Im MD, but fully understandable. Pancreas regulates sugar, making insulin. Overtaxing it in early years would precipitate DM & subsequently Cancer. Feel family history may also play a role in this, but diet may be a huge component.

1 can of coke has 10 spoons sugar!! 32 once drinks- have a bowl full.. try to put 30 spoons of sugar i a bowl , and eat.
(most non carbonated sweet drinks like snapple / gatorade etc have the same sugar!! Juices have sugar too, but fructose does not get the same insulin response)

also studies show cutting 1 drink/ day for the year, could reduce fat gain of 10 lbs!!

Consider diet soda, or just make an effort to cut down.. reduce the volume& frequency and reap rewards of a healthier life.

Best drink is the zero calorie H20...