Health

Understanding the Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cancer

Learn about the risk factors for pancreatic cancer, and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing this deadly disease by patriciadelgado
Estimated reading time: 2 min 60 sec
Understanding the Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cancer Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that affects the pancreas – an organ located in the abdomen behind the stomach. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and form tumors in the pancreas.

Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, around 60,430 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and over 48,220 will die from it in 2021.

The high mortality rate associated with pancreatic cancer is mainly due to the fact that most people are not diagnosed until the cancer is in its advanced stages. Therefore, it’s important for people to understand the risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer and take necessary steps to reduce their risk of developing the disease.

Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer

Age

Pancreatic cancer is more common in older adults. According to the American Cancer Society, the average age of pancreatic cancer diagnosis is around 71 years. Around two-thirds of people with pancreatic cancer are aged 65 or older.

Family History

If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer, your risk of developing the disease is higher. Having two or more first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) with pancreatic cancer increases your risk of developing the disease.

Smoking

Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for pancreatic cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, smokers are about twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as nonsmokers.

Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Obesity

Obesity and being overweight may increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, studies have shown that people who are obese have a 20% higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer than those who are not obese. Maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Diabetes

People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The reason for this is unclear, but it’s believed that the high levels of insulin and glucose associated with diabetes may contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer.

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Managing diabetes may help reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed for a long time, leading to irreversible damage to the pancreas. People with chronic pancreatitis have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Therefore, it’s important to seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of chronic pancreatitis.

Exposure to Chemicals

Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and certain pesticides, may increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Avoiding exposure to these chemicals may help reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Alcohol Consumption

Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Reducing alcohol consumption may help reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Genetic Mutations

A small percentage of pancreatic cancers are caused by inherited genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing the disease. These mutations can be detected through genetic testing.

People with a family history of pancreatic cancer may want to consider genetic testing.

Race and Ethnicity

African Americans have a slightly higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer than whites. Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans have a lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Conclusion

Knowing your risk factors for pancreatic cancer is important for taking steps to reduce your risk of developing the disease.

If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer or any of the other risk factors mentioned above, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk. Early detection is key, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you have any symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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