Pancreatic cancer primary prevention


 * Associate Editor-In-Chief:

Overview
Research suggest that lifestyle factors such as change in diet, exercise, and maintenance of weight, can influence the likelihood an individual develops pancreatic cancer.

Prevention
Prevention of pancreatic cancer consists of avoiding risk factors when possible Cigarette smoking is considered to be the most significant and avoidable risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising may be helpful.

The American Cancer Society recommends increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while decreasing red meat intake. This has been questioned by several research groups. In 2006 a large prospective cohort study of over 80,000 subjects failed to prove a definite association. The evidence in support of this lies mostly in small case-control studies.

In September 2006, a long-term study concluded that taking Vitamin D can substantially cut the risk of pancreatic cancer (as well as other cancers) by up to 50%. More studies of this have been called for.

Several studies, including one published June 1, 2007, indicate that B vitamins such as B12, B6, and folate, can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer when consumed in food, but not when ingested in vitamin tablet form.