Page 96 - EJMO-9-2

Eurasian Journal of Medicine and
Oncology
Dietary links between dairy, meat, and egg intake and pancreatic cancer risk

1. Introduction regarding their correlation with pancreatic cancer risk.
High dietary intake of eggs was associated with pancreatic
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most rapidly lethal cancers risk, as well as all-cause and cancer mortality. 18,19 A Western
worldwide with low survival rates and a high mortality diet, which typically includes a greater consumption of
rate. This cancer is often diagnosed at a progressed stage eggs, red and processed meats, high-fat dairy products,
1,2
and is poorly responsive to therapeutic interventions. potato chips, sugary drinks, sweets, and refined grains, was
1,3
The occurrence of pancreatic cancer has been increasing associated with a 2.4-fold higher risk of pancreatic cancer. 20
over the years and is projected to increase by about 70%
in 2040, posing a significant public health burden. In Given the anticipated high prevalence of pancreatic
4,5
fact, incidence rates in most Middle East and North Africa cancer worldwide, this study aimed to investigate the
5,6
countries surpass the global average. Pancreatic cancer is correlation between the intake of dairy products, meats,
currently the seventh leading cause of cancer death among and eggs, and pancreatic cancer. By understanding their
both men and women, with a 5-year survival rate of only potential impact on pancreatic cancer risk, we can gain
8%. It is estimated that it will emerge as the second valuable insights into the relationship between diet and
7,8
leading cause of cancer-related deaths by 2030. Therefore, pancreatic cancer incidence.
2
identifying modifiable risk factors and understanding their
association with pancreatic cancer is crucial for reducing 2. Methods
the burden of this deadly disease. 3 2.1. Study design and participants
Pancreatic cancer is a complex disease influenced by The study current case–control study was conducted at the
a combination of genetic and environmental factors that King Hussein Cancer Center, King Abdullah University
play a role in its development. 1,3,4,9,10 Previous literature Hospital, Jordan University Hospital, and Al-Bashir
indicates that the incidence of pancreatic cancer in 90% Hospital in Jordan from March 2015 to August 2018. The
of cases is attributed to environmental conditions and study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review
unhealthy lifestyle, including diet. Since diet could be a Board Ethics Committee of the King Hussein Cancer
2,3
primary contributor to pancreatic cancer, many studies Center (IRB No. 15 KHCC 03, Amman, Jordan), King
2
have investigated the link between specific foods and Abdullah University Hospital, Jordan University Hospital,
nutrients and pancreatic cancer risk, specifically focusing and Al-Bashir Hospital, in accordance with the ethical
on the intake of dairy products, meats, and eggs. However, standards outlined in the 1975 Declaration of Helsinki.
the findings from these studies were inconsistent. 4,9,11-20
The study participants were Jordanian individuals aged
Dairy products include nutrients that have been 18 or older, verbally competent, and free from chronic
hypothesized to encourage or inhibit carcinogenesis. It illnesses related to food. These participants included
may incorporate hormones and growth factors that raise individuals with confirmed pancreatic cancer, while
tumor growth. A positive relationship between a high controls were those without the disease. The study involved
17
intake of dairy products and pancreatic cancer risk has a total of 415 participants, comprising 101 pancreatic
been reported. In contrast, recent studies found no links cancer patients and 314 community-selected controls. The
17
between pancreatic cancer risk and the intake of milk, controls were matched to the pancreatic cancer patients
cheese, and yogurt. 15,16 The impact of meat consumption based on factors such as age, gender, employment, and
on the development of pancreatic cancer remains a topic marital status, resulting in a 1:3 ratio of pancreatic cancer
of interest, with some studies indicating an increased risk patients to controls. Informed consent was obtained from
associated with red and processed meat consumption, all participants before their enrollment in the study.
particularly in men. 2-4,11-13 The risk of pancreatic cancer
increases by 11% for every 100 g daily consumption of red 2.2. Data collection
meat. Consumption of processed meat cooked at high Sociodemographic and health-related information,
11
temperatures either barbequed or fried has also been related along with details on physical activity and dietary habits,
to pancreatic cancer, as well as cold meat, which includes were collected using structured questionnaires. Trained
N-nitroso compounds (NOCs) and nitrite preservatives. interviewers completed these questionnaires for both
2
The World Cancer Research Fund and the American participants with pancreatic cancer and controls. The
Institute for Cancer Research reported some evidence of dietitians were instructed to collect anthropometric
the above relationship. However, further investigation is measures. Participants were asked to wear only the bare
10
warranted to better understand the specific types of meat, minimum of clothing and shoes, and weight was measured
meat choices, and cooking methods that may contribute using a SECA scale (Seca GmbH & Co. KG, Germany),
to this association. 13,14 Eggs have received limited attention adjusted to the closest 0.1 kg. Participants were asked to

Volume 9 Issue 2 (2025) 88 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.6637