Pancreatic Cancer & Drinking Soda

Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate. While its exact cause is unknown, there are risk factors that can make it more likely you will develop this cancer. Certain beverages may be associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, including soda. Before making any changes to your diet or drink consumption, consult your doctor to talk about what you can do to reduce your risk.

Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas secretes enzymes to aid in digestion, helping the body absorb food. This organ also makes hormones like insulin and glucagon, which maintain blood sugar levels. Symptoms usually appear once the cancer has spread and can include jaundice, loss of appetite, pain in the upper abdomen, back pain, nausea and diarrhea. This cancer is typically diagnosed at a late stage and treatment may consist of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or pain management.

Risk Factors

A variety of risk factors can increase your chances of developing pancreatic cancer. Having one or more of these does not mean you will definitely get the disease but your doctor may want to have you on regular checkups or suggest lifestyle modifications to reduce your risk. Risk factors include aging, smoking cigarettes, obesity and lack of exercise, a family history or certain genetic syndromes, diabetes and liver cirrhosis, according to the American Cancer Society. A diet high in fat and excessive coffee drinking have been associated with an increased risk but more research needs to be done.

Soda and Pancreatic Cancer Risk

A 2007 study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that subjects with higher intakes of total sugars, fructose and sucrose were at higher risk for developing pancreatic cancer but soda drinking alone was not associated with a higher risk. Another study, done in 2011 that appeared in the journal "Cancer Causes and Control," found no association between soda consumption and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. More research needs to be done but if you are concerned, talk with your doctor about whether you should minimize your soft drink intake.

Considerations

Eliminating soda from your diet will not definitively protect you from developing pancreatic cancer, just like drinking soda does not necessarily mean you will develop the disease. If you are worried about your risk for this type of cancer, talk with your doctor about diet and lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk and promote overall health.

Pancreatic Cancer & Drinking Soda