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A Review and Meta‐Analysis of Prospective Studies of Red and Processed Meat and Pancreatic Cancer
Author(s) -
Miller Paula E,
Alexander Dominik
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.902.9
Subject(s) - red meat , meta analysis , pancreatic cancer , prospective cohort study , medicine , cancer , processed meat , random effects model , environmental health , food science , pathology , biology
Pancreatic cancer is a highly fatal cancer of significant public health concern. The potential relationship between red and processed meat consumption and pancreatic cancer has been the subject of scientific debate, with epidemiologic studies producing differing and inconclusive results. Our objective was to update the state of the science by conducting a systematic quantitative assessment of the epidemiologic literature. Specifically, we integrated data from prospective cohort studies using meta‐analysis and examined total red meat, fresh red meat, and processed meat in particular, while also evaluating any potential dose response relationships. Data from 19 prospective cohort studies were meta‐analyzed using random‐effects models to calculate summary relative risk estimates (SRREs) for high vs. low exposure categories. In addition, a comprehensive evaluation of potential dose‐response patterns was conducted using stratified intake analyses and meta‐regression. In the high vs. low meta‐analysis of total red meat, an SRRE of 1.06 (95% CI = 0.91–1.25) was observed. The high vs. low meta‐analysis of fresh red meat resulted in an SRRE of 1.04 (95% CI = 0.78–1.37), with significant heterogeneity. For high vs. low processed meat, the SRRE was 1.05 (95% CI = 0.82–1.34), with significant heterogeneity. No clear dose response pattern was observed for any of these groups in meta‐regression or stratified intake analyses. No association was found for beef or pork specifically. In conclusion, the state of the epidemiologic science on red and processed meat consumption and pancreatic cancer does not support an association. Support or Funding Information This work was supported in part by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. NCBA did not contribute to the writing, analysis, interpretation of the research findings.