Pancreatic cancer risk factors

Gold, E. B., Epidemiology of and risk factors for pancreatic cancer, Surg Clin North Am, 75, 819, 1995. 

Many dietary and environmental factors have been implicated as possible etiologic factors in the development of pancreatic cancer, but no definite causal relationships have been established. The strongest evidence points to cigarette smoking as a risk factor associated with pancreatic cancer (20-24). Occupational exposure to certain chemicals has also been linked to pancreatic carcinoma (25). Others in the high-risk group include stone miners, cement workers, gardeners, textile workers, and leather tanners (17,26). 

Inconsistent results were noted for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Some studies showed higher rates of stomach and intestinal cancers, but other risk factors apart from paints cannot be excluded. Higher risks for liver cancer was found by Chen and Seaton. Norell et al. noted an excess of pancreatic cancers, especially as a result of exposure to paint thiimers. No significant risks were described eonceming cancer of the biliary tract. ... 

Chronic pancreatitis has long been thought to be mainly associated with immoderate alcohol consumption, tobacco smoke, and obesity, diets high in animal protein and fat, as well as antioxidant deficiencies. Diets high in processed or red meat, diets low in fruits and vegetables, phytochemicals such as lycopene and flavonols, have been proposed and refuted as risk or protective factors in different trials [131]. In a case-control study of 462 cases and 4,721 controls, there was a significant inverse association between lycopene intake and pancreatic cancer, after... 

Nitsche C, Simon P, Weiss FU, Fluhr G, Weber E, Gartner S, Behn CO, Kraft M, Ringel J, Aghdassi A, Mayerle J, Fetch MM (2011) Environmental risk factors for chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Dig Dis 29 235-242... 

In pancreatic cancer, also called exocrine cancer, malignant (cancer) cells are found in the pancreatic tissues. The exocrine cells and endocrine cells of the pancreas form different types of tumours. It is very important to distinguish between exocrine and endocrine cancers of the pancreas, because they have distinct risk factors and causes, different signs and symptoms and tests for diagnosis (American Cancer Society, 2015b). 

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