Epidemiology of pancreatic cancer

TLDR: This article found that periodontal infection and gastric ulcers may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, while allergies may decrease risk, but few observational studies have had tumor tissue to address these questions.

Abstract: Pancreatic cancer is the most rapidly lethal cancer; only 7 % of patients survive 5 years. Men are slightly more likely to develop this cancer than women, and African American men have the highest incidence rates. Established risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, long-standing diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, heavy alcohol intake and family history. Genetic polymorphisms in the ABO gene have also been associated with modest risks of pancreatic cancer, and individuals who have blood type A or B have slightly higher risk than those with type O. Recent research suggests that periodontal infection and gastric ulcers may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, while allergies may decrease risk. With the exception of red meat intake (and cooking practices), dietary factors have not been consistently associated with risk of pancreatic cancer. Studies examining mutations in tumor tissue have not identified clear associations between risk factors and tumor mutations, but few observational studies have had tumor tissue to address these questions.