Reply: Gallstones, cholecystectomy, and the risk for developing pancreatic cancer
2003

Gallstones and Pancreatic Cancer Risk

Sample size: 1914 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bosetti C, Negri E, Franceschi S, La Vecchia C

Primary Institution: Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche ‘Mario Negri’

Hypothesis

Is there an association between gallstones or cholecystectomy and the risk of developing pancreatic cancer?

Conclusion

The study found no significant association between gallstones or cholecystectomy and pancreatic cancer risk after adjusting for confounding factors.

Supporting Evidence

  • Previous studies reported variable associations between gallstones and pancreatic cancer risk.
  • The study included a large sample size of patients and controls.
  • Odds ratios were calculated using multiple logistic regression models.

Takeaway

Having gallstones or having your gallbladder removed doesn't seem to increase your chances of getting pancreatic cancer.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from a case-control study with structured interviews and logistic regression models.

Potential Biases

Recall bias is unlikely to have played a major role due to the high response rate and standardized questionnaire.

Limitations

The study may not account for all potential confounding factors and relies on self-reported medical history.

Participant Demographics

362 patients with pancreatic cancer (229 men, 133 women, median age 59) and 1552 controls (1141 men, 411 women, median age 55).

Statistical Information

P-Value

1.03

Confidence Interval

0.67–1.59

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600693

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