Positive Health Online

Abstract

STOLZENBERG-SOLOMON and colleagues, Nutritional Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-7232, USA, E: rs221z@nih.gov, examined dietary factors possibly associated with pancreatic cancer .

Background

Few prospective studies have investigated possible associations between diet and pancreatic cancer. The investigators did so using the data from the Finnish Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study .

Methodology

In this trial, male smokers completed a dietary history questionnaire at baseline (1985-1988). Complete dietary information was available from 27,111 of the subjects (age range 50-69 years).

Results

Between 1985 and November 1997, 163 of the 27,111 subjects developed pancreatic cancer . Higher consumption rates of butter and saturated fats (energy-adjusted) were associated with higher risks of pancreatic cancer: hazard ratios (HRs) for the highest versus the lowest quintiles of intake were 1.40 and 1.60 respectively. Higher energy intake and higher carbohydrate intake (energy-adjusted) were associated with lower risks of disease: HRs for the highest versus the lowest quintiles were 0.62 and 0.62 respectively.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that high consumption of saturated fat may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer among male smokers, while higher intakes of energy and carbohydrate may decrease the risk.

References

Stolzenberg-Solomon RZ et al. Prospective study of diet and pancreatic cancer in male smokers. American Journal of Epidemiology 155 (9): 783-92. May 2002.