[The risk factors for pancreatic cancer]

This review summarises the current state of knowledge regarding the risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Of all the factors studied, only smoking is well established. Excessive dietary fat and protein may increase the risk, but this has not been proven conclusively. Fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, may offer a protective effect. The role of coffee remains controversial. There is no concrete evidence that alcohol, tea, occupational exposure, diabetes, gallstones, cholecystectomy or gastrectomy are significantly associated with this tumour. A possible predisposing role for chronic pancreatitis cannot be excluded.