By David LIU, PHD

Sunday Feb 26, 2012 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new study in the Feb 2012 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention suggests that drinking carbonated soda or soft drinks may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, one of most lethal malignancies in human beings.

The study led by J.M. Genkinger of Columnbia University and colleagues found that drinking sugar-sweetened carbonated soft drinks was associated with moderately but signfiicantly increased risk for pancreatic cancer.

Genkinger et al found this association after they analysed data extracted from 14 prospective cohort studies of 853,894 participants among whom 2,185 incident pancreatic cancer cases were identified.

In the meantime, the researchers did not find any association between drinking coffee and tea and risk of pancreatic cancer.  

Coffee was thought to have pro- and anticarcinogenic properties and tea contain anticarcinogenic compounds.  Also sugar intake increases circulating insulin which may promote carcinogenesis, the researchers said.

Previous original research found those who dranks lots of soft drinks were 87 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, than those who drank minimal amounts.

Fructose in high fructose corn syrup, which is commonly used in soft drinks or sodas, and many processed foods, has been found in early research to promote growth of pancreatic cancer cells.

Pancreatic is expected in 43,920 men and women in the United States in  2012 and the disease and complications are expected to kill 37,390 people in the United States in the same year. 

Factors that increase risk of pancreactic cancer include smoking, diets low in vegetables and fruits, diets high in red meat, diets high  in sugar-sweetened soft drinks, diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis, Helicobacter pylori infection and gingivitis or periodontal disease.