Run Away from Pancreatic Cancer

Run Away from Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas is a gland in your body that produces juices that help you digest food. It also produces hormones (namely insulin) that regulate your body's use and storage of nutrients. Pancreatic cancer kills 95% of those who are diagnosed, and is the fifth-leading cause of death related to cancer in the U.S. Other than smoking, few factors have been associated with pancreatic cancer, although some studies have linked it to diabetes. The purpose of a review in the Journal of the American Medical Association was to identify other possible causes of the condition.

To investigate the relationship of physical activity, obesity, and height to pancreatic cancer risk, the authors examined two studies lasting up to 20 years: the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and the Nurses' Health Study. Nearly 50,000 men, and twice as many women, participated in the studies.

Walking or hiking one-and-a-half hours per week reduced pancreatic cancer risk by 50% in both men and women. Those who participated in the least amount of moderate activity were more than twice as likely to develop the condition as those who were most active, and exercise was more important for reducing risk in overweight persons. In the 350 documented pancreatic cancer cases, sufferers also tended to be sedentary, obese, and taller than average.

Treating pancreatic cancer is difficult, so the key is to avoid it altogether. Any exercise can greatly improve your overall health - and it can save your life. Walk, lift weights, swim, bike, or perform some other form of moderate exercise as often as possible.

Michaud DS, Giovannucci E, Willett WC, et al. Physical activity, obesity, height, and the risk of pancreatic cancer. Journal of the American Medical Association, August 22/29, 2001:286(8), pp. 921-929.