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Gazzetta Medica Italiana-Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2009 June;168(3):189-95

Copyright © 2009 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Risk factors of pancreas cancer

Lucrezio L., Bassi M., Migliori M., Bastagli L., Gullo L.

Istituto di Medicina Interna Università di Bologna, Ospedale Sant’Orsola Bologna, Italia

Of the various known risk factors of pancreas cancer, cigarette smoking is the most important. High dietary intake of fats and proteins increases the risk, whereas a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is thought to have a protective role. The role of coffee consumption remains controversial, although recent studies indicate that large amounts of coffee can increase the risk of cancer. A higher potential risk is associated with occupational exposure and with chronic pancreatitis. Genetic factors play a certain role in the etiopathogenesis of pancreas cancer, however, their relevance concerns a small number of patients.