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Behalf Of Richard Wilson
Sent: 14 November 2006 04:18
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Subject: [MM-research] Fizzy drinks increase risk of pancreatic cancer



Public release date: 8-Nov-2006
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Contact: Katarina Sternudd
<mailto:katarina.sternudd@...> katarina.sternudd@...
46-852-483-895
<http://info.ki.se/ki> Karolinska Institutet


Fizzy drinks increase risk of pancreatic cancer


The high consumption of sweetened food and drink increases the risk of
developing pancreatic cancer, according to a new study from Karolinska
Institutet. A heavy intake of fizzy drinks, creamed fruit and sugar in
coffee are three common ways of increasing the risk.

Pancreatic cancer is a very serious form of cancer that is possibly caused
when the pancreas produces heightened levels of insulin as a consequence of
upset glucose metabolism. A well-known way of increasing insulin production
is to eat a lot of sugar. Scientists have now, for the first time, shown
that the consumption of sweetened food and drink affects a person's chances
of developing pancreatic cancer.

The study began in 1997 when scientists ran a dietary survey of almost
80,000 healthy women and men. This group was subsequently monitored until
June 2005. According to the cancer registry, 131 people from this group had
developed cancer of the pancreas.

The researchers have now been able to show that the risk of developing
pancreatic cancer is related to the amount of sugar in the diet. Most at
risk were those who drank high quantities of fizzy or syrup based (squash)
drinks. The group who said that they drank such products twice a day or more
ran a 90% higher risk than those who never drank them. People who added
sugar to food or drinks (e.g. coffee) at least five times a day ran a 70%
greater risk than those who did not. People who ate creamed fruit (a product
resembling runny jam) at least once a day also ran a higher risk - they
developed the disease 50% more often than those who never ate creamed fruit.

"Despite the fact that the chances of developing pancreatic cancer are
relatively small, it's important to learn more about the risk factors behind
the disease," says Susanna Larsson, one of the researchers involved in the
study.

"It is perhaps the most serious form of cancer, with very poor prognoses for
its victims. Since it's difficult to treat and is often discovered too late,
it's particularly important that we learn to prevent it," she says.

###

Karolinska Institutet is one of the leading medical universities in Europe.
Through research, education and information, Karolinska Institutet
contributes to improving human health. Each year, the Nobel Assembly at
Karolinska Institutet awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. For
more information, visit ki.se

Publication: "Consumption of sugar and sugar-sweetened foods and the risk of
pancreatic cancer in a prospective study"
Susanna C Larsson, Leif Bergkvist and Alicja Wolk
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, November 2006

For further information, contact:

Researcher Susanna C Larsson
The Department of Environmental Medicine
Phone: +46 (0)8-524 860 59
Email: <mailto:Susanna.Larsson@...> Susanna.Larsson@...





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