USA - A new study finds drinking two or more sweetened drinks per week increases one's risk of developing pancreatic tumors — the rare but deadliest type of cancer.

According to the study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, those who drink soft drinks frequently are at an 87 percent higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Such an increased risk, however, was not reported in individuals who drink fruit juice rather than sodas.

"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," said lead researcher Mark Pereira.

While sugar is considered as the main factor contributing to the link, Minnesota scientists say drinking such beverages is commonly associated with other bad habits such as smoking and red meat intake, which may aggravate the association.

PKH/HGH

Originally published in Press TV