Physical activity, body weight, and pancreatic cancer mortality

Pancreatic cancer is a rapidly fatal cancer with 5-year survival of about 4% for all tumours (Ries et al, 2002), and <1% for nonresectable tumours (Bramhall et al, 1995). In the United Kingdom, this cancer does not rank in the top 10 for newly diagnosed cases, yet, it is the sixth most common cancer death (CancerStats, June 2002; September 2002). Owing to the grim prognosis, prevention of pancreatic cancer is important. Unfortunately, there are few established risk factors, the exception being cigarette smoking (IARC, 1986). Experiments using a hamster model have suggested that insulin and insulin resistance may play a role in the aetiology of pancreatic cancer (Schneider et al, 2001). This is supported by human studies, with a meta-analysis of 20 studies concluding that diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risk (Everhart and Wright, 1995). Additionally, a recent study reported that diets rich in foods that raise postprandial glucose levels increase the risk of pancreatic cancer (Michaud et al, 2002).