In a large prospective study published online in the October 22, 2013 issue of the British Journal of Cancer(BMJ), researchers looked at the association between nut consumption and risk of pancreatic cancer among 75,680 women in the Nurses’ Health Study, with no previous history of cancer. Consumption of nuts, including tree nuts (such as almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts), was inversely associated with risk of pancreatic cancer, independent of other potential risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
The Nurses? Health Studies, which started in 1976 and expanded in 1989, are among the largest and longest running investigations of factors that influence women?s health. The information provided by the 238,000 dedicated nurse-participants has led to many new insights on female health and risk factors leading to disease. While the prevention of cancer is still a primary focus, the study has also produced landmark data on cardiovascular disease, diabetes and many other conditions. Most importantly, these studies have shown that diet, physical activity and other lifestyle factors can powerfully promote better health.
Among the results, this association study analysis, supported by the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation,showed that women who consumed a one-ounce serving of nuts two or more times per week had a significantly reduced risk of pancreatic cancer (Relative Risk [RR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47-0.92; P=0.007) compared to those who largely abstained from nuts. Commenting on this result,lead author, Ying Bao, MD, ScD, from the Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA., noted “This reduction in risk was independent of established or suspected risk factors for pancreatic cancer including age, height, obesity, physical activity, smoking, diabetes and dietary factors.”
In this large prospective cohort of women, frequent nut consumption is inversely associated with risk of pancreatic cancer and is independent of other potential risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
Few modifiable risk factors
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause for cancer-related mortality in the U.S.A, yet very few modifiable risk factors have been identified. According to the 2009 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) report, aside from cigarette smoking, body fatness was the only convincing modifiable risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
While there may be concern that frequent nut consumption may result in weight gain and thereby increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, the opposite seems to be true. “In our cohort women who consumed the most nuts tended to weigh less,” Bao reported. Moreover, in a recent analysis of this same cohort, higher nut consumption was associated with a slightly lower risk of weight gain and obesity.
Reduced risk of diabetes
Nut intake has also been associated with a reduced risk of diabetes mellitus, which is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. “Nuts contain a variety of important vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals,” states Maureen Ternus, M.S., R.D., Executive Director of the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation (INC NREF). “This exciting, new study provides yet another reason to encourage people to eat a handful?or 1/3 cup?of tree nuts every day.”
For more information:
[1] Bao, Y., F.B. Hu, E.L. Giovannucci, B.M. Wolpin, M.J. Stampfer, W.C. Willett, C.S. Fuchs, 2013. Nut consumption and risk of pancreatic cancer in women. Br J Cancer. doi:10.1038/bjc.2013.665 [Article][PubMed]
[2] The International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation [Website]
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