Abstract B5: Lifetime adiposity and risk of pancreatic cancer in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Adiposity at older age is positively associated with pancreatic cancer in many studies; however its association at younger ages and weight gain across a lifetime has not been examined extensively particular in cohort studies. Methods: We prospectively analyzed the association between body mass index (BMI) at different ages (18, 35, 50, and > 50 years), BMI gain, and first age of overweight or obesity and exocrine pancreatic cancer in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, a large cohort of men and women aged 50–71 who completed questionnaires at baseline (1995–1996) and six months later that ascertained height and weight history. During follow-up though 2006, 2120 and 1204 pancreatic cancer cases were identified in the baseline cohort among participants > 50 years (n=501,702) and sub-cohort who completed the second questionnaire (n=273,977), respectively. Hazards Ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Cox proportional hazards with adjustment for smoking, sex, energy and total fat. Statistical tests were two sided. Results: Compared to normal weight, overweight (body mass index, BMI >25.0–30 kg/m2) or obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) at ages 18, 35, 50 or > 50 years was significantly associated with elevated pancreatic cancer risk with HR ranging from 1.18 to 1.25. Adiposity gain (per 5 kg/m2) from early adulthood to older age was significantly associated with pancreatic cancer especially among never smokers (HR=1.12, 95% CI 1.04–1.21). The etiologic fraction of pancreatic cancer explained by overweight or obesity at any age in our population was 13% overall. Conclusion: Overweight or obesity at any age is associated with a greater pancreatic cancer risk. Prevention of weight gain might prevent pancreatic cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):B5.