Korean radiologist warns common foods may raise pancreatic cancer risk

A South Korean radiologist has spotlighted everyday Korean foods that he says can harm pancreatic health, warning that excessive sugar intake is linked not only to diabetes but potentially to pancreatic cancer. The comments came in a YouTube video on a channel run by Dr. Lee Won-kyung, titled with a strong warning about foods worse than sugar for the pancreas.

Dr. Lee points to a rise in diabetes in Korea over the past five years and argues that Korean diets tend to be high in sweet and salty foods, with widespread use of sugar. He identifies several common items as particularly risky for the pancreas: tteok (rice cakes), gimbap, mixed coffee beverages, and fruit juice.

Regarding tteok, he says it is a traditional but refined carbohydrate that can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, making it a poor choice for pancreatic health. He suggests that if people eat tteok, choosing versions made with brown rice could lower the glycemic impact. He notes that gimbap, a popular convenient meal, may contain sugars or sweeteners in the rice, which can raise blood sugar quickly; a typical gimbap roll clocks in at roughly 450 to 600 calories, depending on ingredients.

The video also singles out mixed coffee drinks, arguing they contain sugar and creamer that can sharply raise blood glucose and, with long-term use, may increase the risk of high cholesterol or diabetes. Fruit juice is treated as another pitfall: the doctor argues that blending fruit, rather than eating it whole, leads to faster sugar absorption and sharper sugar spikes.

He emphasizes that the pancreas, unlike the liver, has limited regenerative capacity, and pancreatic cancer often presents with few early symptoms, making prevention through diet important. His recommended dietary shifts include reducing simple sugars and refined carbohydrates, and prioritizing foods with higher protein and dietary fiber. He also suggests swapping white rice for brown rice and mixed‑grain rice, and even using fried onions as a way to cut reliance on added sugars.

Beyond diet, Dr. Lee mentions stress management through breathing techniques and ensuring adequate sleep as part of maintaining glucose control and pancreatic health. While his video reflects one physician’s perspective, the guidance resonates with broader concerns about sugar, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer risk that are shared in other countries as well.

For international audiences, the takeaway extends beyond Korea. Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal disease with limited early detection, and rising diabetes and obesity are global public health challenges. The discussion aligns with widespread messages in the United States and other markets to curb added sugars, choose whole grains, and prioritize protein and fiber to support metabolic and digestive health. It also highlights how dietary patterns tied to culture and convenience can influence health outcomes and medical costs, reinforcing the relevance of nutrition in policy discussions, supply chains, and consumer choices across borders.