Sugar Again Linked to Cancer

A study discussed by MSNBC.COM and originally published in Cancer Research demonstrated that pancreatic cancer cells fed on different types of sugar have different reactions.  These cells were given both sucrose (table sugar made up of glucose and fructose) and fructose alone.  Each sugar had a different effect with fructose being directly responsible for cancer cell proliferation.  These fast-burning sugars seem to be feeding cancer cells – as opposed to starving them and letting your immune system naturally fend them off. 

Over the past couple of years I have had multiple patients who have come to me after being advised by oncologists or the nutritionists they recommend to keep up their caloric intake by any means necessary so that they do not lose too much weight while undergoing cancer treatment.  Two of them, including one with stomach cancer, were advised to consume ice cream regularly to achieve this goal.  I hope over time studies like these become commonplace enough that causative and curative aspects of nutrition and behavior are ultimately taken more seriously. For a while high-fructose corn syrup has been thought to cause harm in terms of obesity, diabetes and even cardiac disease.  This adds fuel to the fire by linking it even more closely with cancer.  Its continued inclusion in commercially processed foods, particularly those consumed by children, is largely a political issue that goes beyond basic health and nutrition. 

While long-term studies would have to be analyzed for the preventive effects of avoiding sugar (and certain types of sugar) consumption, there are certainly direct implications for cancer patients as they are given dietary recommendations during and after treatment.  This does not mean that going in the opposite direction of dietary harm – a bacon cheese burger without the bun – is any better for you.  Rather this study should be a friendly reminder to stay away from sugar, animal fats and all those things we are pretty sure are cause harm.  The bottom line at this point a balanced diet high in fiber, low in refined sugars and processed carbohydrates and unhealthy fats (particularly those found in animals) is still recommended.

To read the full MSNBC.com article, click here.