According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancers and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, accounting for over 32,000 deaths each year.  Unfortunately, the 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is only 5 percent; therefore, prevention is important in fighting this disease.

Recent research from Sweden found sugar intake to be strongly related to pancreatic cancer.  The study involved 77,797 healthy men and women aged 45+ for more than 7 years; these individuals did not have a history of cancer or diabetes.  Researchers examined the amount of sugar consumed by these adults and identified 3 main sugar sources that were strong predictors of pancreatic cancer.

The Results:

• High added sugar intake (i.e., added to coffee, tea, cereal, etc.) was associated with a 69% greater chance of getting pancreatic cancer than low sugar intake.
• High soft drink consumption (i.e., 2+/day) was associated with a 93% greater chance of getting pancreatic cancer than low soft drink consumption.
• A high intake of sugar-sweetened fruit increased pancreatic cancer risk by 51%.

In addition, the researchers note that frequent consumption of foods high in sugar is a major contributing factor to higher blood sugar and insulin levels along with increased body weight, all factors increasing the risk of cancer.

What It Means:

Reducing your risk of cancer can be as simple as limiting the amount of added sugars in your diet, including sugar-sweetened beverages.  Try enjoying the natural sweetness of fruit rather than adding additional sweetness from sugar and include more foods with high fiber and a low glycemic index such as whole grains, vegetables, and low-sugar dairy foods.

The American Cancer Society recommends the following for lowering your risk of pancreatic cancer:

• Avoid using tobacco;
• Maintain a healthy weight;
• Be physically active;
• Eat 5 or more servings of vegetables and fruits each day.

Sources:  American Cancer Society (2006); Larrson, S.C. & Wolk, A. (November 2006). Consumption of sugar and sugar-sweetened foods and the risk of pancreatic cancer in a prospective study, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 84,1171-1176.