The findings of a case‐control study of cancer of the pancreas, which was conducted in the Baltimore metropolitan area, are reported. Two hundred one patients with pancreatic cancer were matched on age (±5 years), race, and sex to hospital and non‐hospital controls, the latter selected by random‐digit‐dialing (RDD). All subjects were interviewed regarding diet, beverage consumption, occupational and environmental exposures, and medical and surgical history. Significantly decreased risks were associated with consumption of raw fruits and vegetables and diet soda, and significantly increased risks were associated with consumption of white bread when cases were compared with hospital and RDD controls. A significantly reduced risk was associated with consumption of wine when cases were compared to RDD controls. Risk ratios for consumption of coffee were not significantly different from one, although there appeared to be a dose‐response relationship in women. A moderate but statistically nonsignificant increase in relative odds was found for cigarette smoking, and cessation of smoking was associated with a marked reduction in risk. No significant associations were found with particular occupational exposures. Tonsillectomy was associated with a significantly reduced risk, a finding that has been observed for other cancers as well. The current evidence indicates that pancreatic cancer is likely to result from a complex interaction of factors and suggests that the study of its etiology requires a multidisciplinary approach involving both laboratory and epidemiologic components.

The cohort mortality experience of radiologists over a 50-year period has been compared to that of other specialists with low levels of radiation exposure. The 1920-1929 cohort of radiologists who joined the Radiological Society of North America had the highest mortality for several chronic diseases. After this early period, radiologists ranked highest only for cancer mortality. The excess risk of leukemia which was observed in the 1920-1929 and 1930-1939 cohorts has subsequently decreased. During the same period, lymphoma mortality, especially multiple myeloma, has been increasing with a significant excess of deaths appearing in radiologists who entered the specialty society between 1930-1939 and 1940-1949. A posible relationship between this finding and immunologic changes induced by radiation has been proposed.

A method for estimating year of birth using only Social Security number is described. The method relies on estimating the year of issue of the Social Security number, using either precise information from a Social Security Administration table (for numbers issued since 1950) or extrapolation (for numbers issued before 1951). Age at issue was estimated using data from individuals in an occupationally defined population for whom both birth date and Social Security number were known. Year of birth is then year of issue minus age at issue. A highly statistically significant correlation of 0.91 for known vs. estimated year of birth was observed. Predictions correct within +/- 5 years were achieved for 78 per cent of the entire study population. For individuals born after approximately 1934, predictions within +/- 5 years of the correct year were achieved 95 per cent of the time, and within +/- 2 years 77 per cent of the time. The method may be useful in epidemiologic research in situations in which date of birth is missing. Some applications are discussed.

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In 1968 the Council on Cerebrovascular Disease of the American Heart Association authorized the appointment of a subcommittee to produce a statement concerning "risk factors for Stroke." After working for over a year the Subcommittee reported that, because of inadequate data concerning "all or several of the factors," they had been unable to produce a statement satisfactory to each Subcommittee member. Some were reluctant to set down a policy statement until every loophole was plugged--a task made extraordinarily difficult by the complexity of Stroke and the fact that prospective studies of large population groups are necessary for the acquisition of some needed data. Another problem was that of interpreting the phrase risk factors. Does this phrase imply that eliminating or minimizing a "risk factor" (for example, maintaining successful control of hypertension) automatically reduces the risk of Stroke for that individual? This therapeutic consideration may await an answer for years, although it must be admitted that the term "risk factors for Stroke" does suggest that careful treatment of one or several risk factors can help to prevent Stroke. In any event, the Subcommittee was admonished by its chairman, Dr. William Kannel, to consider the task a never-ending one; that data are now available indicating that certain phenomena are more commonly followed by Stroke and that these phenomena (culprits) should be publicly identified as elements or risk factors for Stroke. The Subcommittee decided to work first with the profile of the candidate at risk of a cerebral infarction--and so state. The Subcommittee realistically writes: "Any statement arrived at will be subject to periodic revision as more information is accumulated!" Obviously, new data may make changes necessary! Under Dr. Kannel's talented and dedicated leadership the Subcommittee produced the statement which follows.