Eating sugars may increase risk of pancreatic cancer 吃糖可能会增加胰腺癌的风险

A study published in 2006 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that eating too much of and sugars and sugary foods may increase risk of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers and its 5-year survival rate is about 5%. Previous studies have linked hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia to elevated risk of the malignancy.

High intake of sugar can induce postprandial hyperglycemia, insulin demand, and decrease insulin sensitivity, suggesting that sugar may be associated with increased risk for pancreatic cancer.

The current study was based on the data from 78,000 men and women aged 45 to 83 years who were followed for seven years. At baseline, none was diagnosed with diabetes and at the end of the follow-up, 131 cases of pancreatic cancer were recorded.

The study found that compared to those with lowest intake of sugars, men and women who had the highest intake of sugars were 69% more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. High intake of soft drinks and sweetened fruit products or beverages was associated with up to 95% and 51% increased risk, respectively.

The study concluded that “High consumption of sugar and high-sugar foods may be associated with a greater risk of pancreatic cancer.” 

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 84, Issue 5, November 2006, Pages 1171–1176, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/84.5.1171