E. Weiderpass et al., OCCURRENCE, TRENDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ETIOLOGY OF PANCREATIC-CANCER, Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health, 24(3), 1998, pp. 165-174
This review summarizes data on the occurrence, the trends, and the lif
e-style, environmental, occupational and genetic determinants of pancr
eatic cancer. Epidemiologic evidence implicates tobacco smoking as one
cause. The evidence regarding alcohol consumption is inconsistent. Al
though both positive and inconclusive findings are encountered, the bu
lk of the evidence on coffee consumption is negative. Fat intake is Li
nked with obesity and diabetes mellitus, which are risk factors for pa
ncreatic cancer. Fruit and vegetable consumption appears to be protect
ive. No occupational or environmental agent has been confirmed to incr
ease the risk, but epidemiologic evidence is inconsistent. Little is k
nown about the role of genetic polymorphisms of metabolic enzymes in p
ancreas carcinogenesis. Pancreatic cancer shows high rates of mutation
s of Ki-ms and losses or mutations of tumor suppressor genes (p53, p16
(INK4A), and SMAD4/DPC-4). Ki-ras mutations have been associated with
Life-style factors in relation to pancreatic cancer, but the evidence
is still scant and inconsistent.