Consumption of cold drinks raises risk of colorectal cancer, says recent study

Doctors too confirmed that side-effects of sugary cold drinks and the risk of obesity and colorectal cancer due to their consumption. They linked directly the consumption of dietary sugars with tumour progression due to obesity.

As part of an experiment, which aimed at studying the various effects of 25-per cent high-fructose corn syrup, a commonly used sweetener in soft drinks, participants were allowed to drink the sugary beverage for about a month, which resulted in obesity right within the month. After two months, it was found that the participants had developed much larger tumours in their intestines than those who were drinking only water.

According to the author of the study, Jihye Yun, the results suggested that when people have early stage of tumours in their intestines, which can occur in many young adults by chance and without notice, consumption of even modest amounts of high-fructose corn syrup in liquid form can boost tumour growth and progression independently of obesity.

“Our findings suggest that chronic consumption of sugary drinks usually takes 20 to 30 years for colorectal cancer to grow from early stage benign tumours to aggressive cancers,” added Yun.

Daily doses of sugary drinks lead to high amounts of fructose and glucose in the colon and blood. Cancer tumours collect these sugars and boost tumour promoting effects in the blood.

Oncologist Anitha Ramesh said that colorectal cancer risk due to consumption of cold drinks is mainly because of its fructose content that causes obesity. “Even people who are not obese can develop tumours that could be cancerous. Regular intake of cold drinks can increase the risk of not just colorectal cancer but other 10 types cancers by around 15 per cent,” said Dr Anitha.

Advertisements of sugary drinks use various representations to attract the consumers, however, the side effects are not highlighted.

As per medicos, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer across the world, accounting for nearly seven lakh deaths per year worldwide. “Over 450 colorectal procedures are done every year with a major focus on management of colorectal diseases,” said Dr Venkatesh Munikrishnan, colorectal and gastrointestinal surgeon, Apollo Hospitals.

“Colorectal cancers are completely curable on early detection, with improved techniques and new surgical approaches. Changing to healthy food habits with high fiber and regular exercise might help in bringing down the occurrence,” he added.