Red meat associated with pancreatic cancer
Key points
- A diet high in red meat appears to raise the risk developing pancreatic cancer, Swedish researchers report in the International Journal of Cancer.
- Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, due, in large part, because it is seldom detected at an early, curable stage.
- Larsson told Reuters Health "suggest that high consumption of red meat is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer."
- Larsson of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and colleagues conducted a study of more than 61,000 women.
A diet high in red meat appears to raise the risk developing pancreatic cancer, Swedish researchers report in the International Journal of Cancer. The good news is that consumption of poultry may cut the risk.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, due, in large part, because it is seldom detected at an early, curable stage. Surgical removal offers the only chance for a cure, but only a small percentage of patients are candidates for this therapy. In many cases, removal is not possible when surgery reveals that the cancer has actually spread outside the pancreas.
"Findings from our study," lead investigator Dr. Susanna C. Larsson told Reuters Health "suggest that high consumption of red meat is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer."
Larsson of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and colleagues conducted a study of more than 61,000 women. The investigators were interested in the possible effects of meat, fish, poultry and egg consumption. During 17 years of follow-up, 172 of these women were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Long-term consumption of red meat was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, whereas consumption of poultry was linked to a decreased risk.
There were no significant associations with consumption of processed meat, fish or eggs. "These findings," Larsson concluded, "raise the possibility that individuals may lower their risk of pancreatic cancer by reducing red meat consumption."
SOURCE: International Journal of Cancer, June 1, 2006.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
Explore health topics
More in this topic
Cancer →
NewsStudy sheds light on factors that may contribute to pancreatic cancer
New research that provides a better understanding of pancreatic cancer may help identify individuals at increased risk. The findings are published early online in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer…
15 October 2014
NewsNew Study Identifies Opportunities To Reduce Patient Burden Associated With Breast Cancer Screening
New technology and better screening strategies can lower the rate of false-positive results, which impose a substantial financial and psychological burden on women. The many misperceptions about breast cancer screening…
24 September 2014
NewsChemotherapy and stereotactic ablative radiation (SABR) consecutively may be promising treatment option for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer
For patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer, the combination of chemotherapy and stereotactic ablative radiation (SABR) may be a promising treatment option, ultimately allowing them to undergo surgery that may…
