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

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. 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. 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). 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.