High intake of fat is linked to pancreatic cancer

June 30, 2009 in Cancer Prevention, Nutrition Topics in the News

High intake of fat is linked to pancreatic cancer

Eating higher than average amounts of total and saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a new study published online on June 26, 2009 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

In this study, a team of cancer researchers analyzed a cohort of over 500,000 people from the National Institutes of Health - AARP Diet and Health Study. All participants completed a food frequency questionnaire in 1995 and 1996 and were followed prospectively for an average of 6 years to track a variety of health outcomes, including pancreatic cancer.

Overall, men who consumed high amounts of total fats had 53 percent higher rates of pancreatic cancer when compared with their peers who had lower fat diets.

This association was seen to a lesser extent in women. As compared to women who avoided high-fat foods, women with the highest intake of dietary fat were 23 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

High intake of saturated fat was associated with 36 percent higher rates of pancreatic cancer in both men and women.

The pancreas is the part of the digestive system which makes digestive juices and hormones such as insulin to aid in digestion and metabolism. Nutrition-related risk factors for pancreatic cancer include obesity and diagnosis of diabetes.

Research shows that 30 to 35 percent of all cancers including pancreatic cancer can be prevented by eating well, being active and maintaining a healthy body weight.

For personalized meal plans which help you reduce the amount of fat in your diet and lower your cancer risk, check out how you can work one-on-one with Leslie Beck, RD.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.