Nutritional factors and risk of pancreatic cancer: a population-based case-control study based on direct interview in Japan.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Few epidemiologic studies have examined the role of nutrient intake in the development of pancreatic cancer in Japan. We addressed this association in a population-based case-control study. METHODS: The cases were 109 patients who were newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer between January 2000 and March 2002, and controls were selected by a random procedure from the general population. Data on dietary intake were collected by in-person interview, with the use of a food-frequency questionnaire. The risk of pancreatic cancer associated with nutrient intake was estimated by using the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) derived from a conditional logistic model. RESULTS: A statistically positive trend in risk was observed with increasing cholesterol intake, with subjects in the highest tertile experiencing a two fold increased risk (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.11-3.85; Ptrend = 0.02). Vitamin C intake was negatively associated with risk of pancreatic cancer. The OR was 0.45 (95% CI, 0.22-0.94) for subjects in the highest tertile compared to the lowest tertile (Ptrend = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that high cholesterol intake is significantly associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer and that high vitamin C intake decreases the risk of pancreatic cancer.