In this study by Michaud DS et al, data on coffee, alcohol dietary factors and smoking was obtained using semi-quantative food frequency questionnaires administered at baseline (1986 in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and 1980 in the Nurses Health Study). During the 1,907,222 person-years of follow up, 288 incident cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed.Neither coffee nor alcohol intakes were associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in either cohort. Similarly, no statistically significant associations were observed for intakes of tea decaffeinated coffee, total caffeine, or alcoholic beverages.

Source:Michaud DS et al. National Cancer Institute, 6120 Executive Blvd, EPS Rm 7026, Rockville, MD 20852. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2001;10:429-37.