Posted Sept 26, 2009
Dear Pharmacist: Two people in my neighborhood have pancreatic cancer, and my favorite actor Patrick Swayze died of it. What is going on? —
E.D., New York City
It’s among the top five leading cancers in the United States, and it’s extremely aggressive.
With cancer, many factors are at play, but no single smoking gun. If you have diabetes, gallbladder disease, celiac disease or liver damage, your risk of pancreatic cancer is higher. There are also many household items and foods that increase your risk for pancreatic disease, so here are things to note:
1. Hard liquor and alcohol. It’s a liquid bullet aimed for your liver and pancreas.
2. Cigarettes. Just like alcohol, cigarettes spark loose cannons in your body that destroy healthy cells and promote the growth of cancerous ones. A 2004 study proved that tobacco was an environmental trigger for pancreatic cancer in predisposed patients.
3. Soda and foods that contain HCFS: “High fructose corn syrup” is a very concentrated sweetener that forces your pancreas to secrete a truckload of insulin in order to neutralize the blood sugar spike that occurs after consumption. High insulin blood levels increase your risk of many diseases, including pancreatic cancer.
4. Non-stick pots. Animal studies show that a chemical called PFOA is tied to cancer. Studies conflict; however, some experts feel that non-stick pots are a source of this chemical. Until we are sure, it’s safer to cook with stainless steel.
5. Soft plastics that contain phthalates (like teething rings, water bottles): There are numerous research articles that link phthalates to cancer, including prostate, breast and pancreatic cancer.
6. Animal and trans fats. A study in the June 2009 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a direct relationship between pancreatic cancer and dairy or red meat-derived fats.
info@dearpharmacist.com
Date: Sept 22, 2009