Cancer that starts in the pancreas, a crucial endocrine gland located behind the stomach, is known as pancreatic cancer. This gland plays a key role in digesting fats, proteins, and carbohydrates while also regulating blood glucose levels. The tricky part? Pancreatic cancer often doesn't show early symptoms, which makes diagnosing and treating it at an early stage quite challenging. Symptoms like loss of appetite, unexpected weight loss, jaundice, abdominal pain, and blood clots can be quite subtle, even as the cancer grows, making early detection difficult and contributing to a poor prognosis in many cases[1].
Now, scientists are still piecing together what exactly triggers pancreatic cancer. However, they've managed to pinpoint some risk factors that may elevate your chances of developing this condition. Just because you have one or more of these factors doesn't mean you will definitely get pancreatic cancer, but it does increase your risk.
1) Smoking
About 25 to 30% of pancreatic cancer cases are linked to smoking cigarettes. It's interesting to note that smoking causes inflammation in the pancreas, which significantly increases the risk of developing this disease. Smokers are approximately twice as likely to develop this cancer compared to non-smokers[5]. Furthermore, using smokeless tobacco products can also heighten your risk. The best part? If you quit smoking, your risk of developing pancreatic cancer decreases significantly, and in fact, after 10 years of not smoking, your chances are similar to those of someone who has never smoked.
2) Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle
If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, you're roughly 20% more likely to face pancreatic cancer. This range falls into the obese category. Additionally, having excess belly fat and living a mostly inactive lifestyle can further increase your pancreatic cancer risk[3]. Staying active throughout the day and exercising regularly can really make a difference in reducing this risk.
3) Diabetes
There's a notable correlation between type 2 diabetes and pancreatic cancer, with long-term type 2 diabetes associated with a 1.5-fold to 2.0-fold increase in the risk of developing this malignancy[4]. However, the exact reason for this link isn't fully understood. You can potentially lower your risk for both type 2 diabetes and pancreatic cancer by adhering to a diet low in sugars and carbohydrates, exercising for at least 30 minutes each day, and maintaining a healthy weight. Information about type 1 diabetes and its association with pancreatic cancer is still insufficient.
4) Family History
Pancreatic cancer can sometimes run in families due to certain genetic conditions. You're at a higher risk if at least three relatives have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Genetic testing can help determine if you carry hereditary factors linked to this disease, which could inform your healthcare decisions and screening practices.
5) Exposure to Chemicals
Some chemicals, such as pesticides and benzene, have been implicated in raising the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Workers in industries like dry cleaning and metalworking might face a higher risk due to prolonged chemical exposure, emphasizing the importance of safety measures in occupational settings.
6) Diet
Eating foods rich in saturated fats—like red and processed meats—might make you more vulnerable to pancreatic cancer. Sugary drinks may have a similar effect. It’s advisable to fill your plate with more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as a balanced diet can help mitigate some risk factors associated with this disease[2].
7) Alcohol
Consuming large quantities of alcohol can harm your liver and pancreas, leading to chronic pancreatitis, which is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Moderation is key here, as excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate health issues related to these organs.
8) Infections
Some research indicates that infections like Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which causes stomach ulcers, and Hepatitis B, which leads to liver inflammation and jaundice, may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer[4].
To wrap it up, understanding these risk factors can help you make informed choices. If you're concerned about your health or have questions, you might want to explore options like an online doctor consultation. An AI doctor or chat doctor can provide you with guidance when you talk to a doctor online, especially regarding your personal health risks.
References:
- Shady Sapoor, Mahmoud Nageh, Noran Magdy Shalma, Rana Sharaf, Nooran Haroun, Esraa Salama, Tungki Pratama Umar, Sadish Sharma, Reem Sayad. Bidirectional relationship between pancreatic cancer and diabetes mellitus: a comprehensive literature review.. PubMed. 2024.
- Agnieszka Lemanska, Claire A Price, Nathan Jeffreys, Rachel Byford, Hajira Dambha-Miller, Xuejuan Fan, William Hinton, Sophie Otter, Rebecca Rice, Ali Stunt, Martin B Whyte, Sara Faithfull, Simon de Lusignan. BMI and HbA1c are metabolic markers for pancreatic cancer: Matched case-control study using a UK primary care database.. PubMed. 2022.
- Brian M Wolpin, Ying Bao, Zhi Rong Qian, Chen Wu, Peter Kraft, Shuji Ogino, Meir J Stampfer, Kaori Sato, Jing Ma, Julie E Buring, Howard D Sesso, I-Min Lee, John Michael Gaziano, Anne McTiernan, Lawrence S Phillips, Barbara B Cochrane, Michael N Pollak, JoAnn E Manson, Edward L Giovannucci, Charles S Fuchs. Hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, impaired pancreatic β-cell function, and risk of pancreatic cancer.. PubMed. 2013.
- Zoobia W Chaudhry, Erica Hall, Rita R Kalyani, David P Cosgrove, Hsin-Chieh Yeh. Diabetes and pancreatic cancer.. PubMed. 2013.
- Donghui Li. Diabetes and pancreatic cancer.. PubMed. 2012.