Pancreatic cancer risk for Japanese Americans

Study of University of South California, 2019

We found that Japanese Americans had both a higher incidence rate and relative risk (about 33%) for pancreatic cancer compared to European Americans. While not previously highlighted, recent incidence data (2009‐2013) from the Hawaii Tumor Registry showed that Japanese individuals had greater age‐adjusted incidence rates compared to European Americans. We also observed that the relative risk for Japanese Americans remained practically unchanged between our minimally and fully adjusted models, indicating that our covariates did not explain much of the disparity. However, the fact that family history of pancreatic cancer was a stronger risk factor among Japanese Americans than among European Americans suggests that genetics may play a more substantial role in defining risk between race/ethnicity groups. This hypothesis is supported by a previous genome‐wide association study (GWAS) in Japanese individuals, which identified three pancreatic cancer susceptibility loci that were not observed to be associated with risk in prior GWAS studies of individuals of European ancestry. A recent GWAS meta‐analysis of three Japanese studies further found a genetic risk marker in GP2 that is also distinct to this population. In addition, non‐O blood alleles, which are associated with pancreatic cancer, appear to be more prevalent in Japanese individuals compared to Europeans.

Japanese Americans are a subpopulation of Asian Americans that includes individuals with Japanese ancestry. Japanese Americans are one of the largest Asian American groups in the United States, with a population of over 1.4 million.

Studies have shown that Japanese Americans have a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer compared to the general population in the United States. In fact, pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Japanese American men and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Japanese American women. However, it's essential to note that individual risk factors, such as age, gender, lifestyle choices, and family history of pancreatic cancer, can also influence an individual's overall risk.

Several factors have been suggested to contribute to the increased risk of pancreatic cancer among Japanese Americans, including:

Westernized lifestyle: Japanese Americans often adopt a more Westernized lifestyle, which may include dietary changes, reduced physical activity, and an increase in obesity rates. These lifestyle factors have been associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Studies have found that a diet high in red and processed meat, saturated fat, and sugar may increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Japanese Americans who consume a traditional Japanese diet, which is low in these foods and high in fruits, vegetables, and fish, may have a lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Genetic factors: Studies have shown that genetic factors may play a role in the increased risk of pancreatic cancer among Japanese Americans. Certain genetic variations have been identified, particularly in the ABO blood group system, which may influence the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Also, studies have shown that Japanese Americans with pancreatic cancer are more likely to have mutations in the BRCA2 gene compared to other populations. Inherited mutations in BRCA2 have been associated with an increased risk of developing breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer.
Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Among Japanese Americans, those who have a history of smoking may face an increased risk of developing the disease.

It is important to remember that these factors contribute to an increased risk but do not guarantee the development of pancreatic cancer. Regular screenings, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and discussing individual risk factors with a healthcare professional can help manage and monitor the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.