Researchers looking at the rate of esophageal cancer in the United States note that there is a remarkable correlation between the recent rise in the cancer (570 percent in the past 25 years in white males) and the increase in carbonated drink consumption (450 percent in the past 50 years). As of the year 2000, was about 49 gallons each year. The researchers found similar trends in other areas of the world where soda is prevalent. The
researchers hypothesize that the stomach distension that comes from carbonation release results in chronic gastric reflux and causes long-term irritation of the esophagus, leading to cancer.4
Esophageal cancer is usually terminal.
- Reuters, May 17, 2004, reporting on research from Tata Memorial Hospital in India, led by Dr. Mohandas Mallath.
