Soda Linked to Pancreatic Cancer

A new study links sugary sodas to pancreatic cancer — a rare, deadly cancer that recently took the life of actor Patrick Swayze.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that people who drink only two or more sugar-sweetened, carbonated beverages per week have a much higher risk of pancreatic cancer. The study of more than 60,000 people found that those who drank mostly fruit juice instead of soda did not have the same risk.

“The high levels of sugar in soft drinks may be increasing the level of insulin in the body, which we think contributes to pancreatic cancer cell growth,” lead researcher Mark Pereira said.