The association between long-term PM2.5 exposure and risk for pancreatic cancer: an application of social informatics

There is a profound need to identify modifiable risk factors to screen and prevent pancreatic cancer. Air pollution, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for cancer. We conducted a case-control study using data from the electronic health record (EHR) of Duke University Health System, 15-year residential history, NASA satellite fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and neighborhood socioeconomic data. Using deterministic and probabilistic linkage algorithms, we linked residential history and EHR data to quantify long-term PM2.5 exposure. Logistic regression models quantified the association between a 1 interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5 concentration and pancreatic cancer risk. The study included 203 cases and 5027 controls (median age of 59 years, 62% female, 26% Black). Individuals with pancreatic cancer had higher average annual exposure (9.4 μg/m3) as compared to an IQR increase in average annual PM2.5, which was associated with greater odds of pancreatic cancer (odds ratio = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.00-1.44). These findings highlight the link between elevated PM2.5 exposure and increased pancreatic cancer risk. They may inform screening strategies for high-risk populations and guide air pollution policies to mitigate exposure. This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.