Family History of Cancer and Tobacco Exposure in Index Cases of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Abstract EN

Aim.

To examine interaction between history of cancer in first-degree relatives and tobacco smoking in index patients of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Methods.

We carried out a case-control involving 113 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 110 controls over a 12-month period at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

They were all administered a detailed tobacco exposure questionnaire and a family history questionnaire.

We calculated cumulative tobacco exposure and risk for pancreas cancer.

Results.

Both smokers (OR 3.01 (95% CI: 1.73 to 5.24)) and those with a family history of malignancy (OR 1.98 (95% CI: 1.15–3.38)) were more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

Having more than one first-degree relative with cancer did not significantly further increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Amongst pancreatic cancer cases, cumulative tobacco exposure was significantly decreased (P=.032) in the group of smokers (current and ex-smokers) who had a family history of malignancy [mean (SD): 30.00 (24.77) pack-years versus 44.69 (28.47) pack-years with no such history].

Conclusions.

Individuals with a family history of malignancy are at an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Furthermore, individuals with a family history of malignancy and who smoke appear to require a lesser degree of tobacco exposure for the development of pancreatic cancer.