Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors
A pancreatic cancer risk factor is anything that may increase your chances of getting cancer of the pancreas. It is important to note that even having multiple risk factors does not mean that you will ever be stricken with the disease. Conversely, there are many cases of people being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer without having any of the known risk factors except race and gender.
However, most research studies do conclude that the more risk factors one has, the greater the chance of contracting the disease during one's lifetime. Many of the risk factors are beyond control, such as race, gender and age, while other risks are lifestyle choices that can be controlled.
The Pancreas is the body's unsung hero. Most people know the functions and purpose of organs like the heart and lungs. But few know where the pancreas is located, yet alone its purpose. Setting behind the stomach, the pancreas primarily provides two purposes. It aids in the digestion process and manufactures insulin to balance blood sugars. Read more about the pancreas. Over 95% of cancers of the pancreas originate in its digestive (exocrine) components.
Minimizing the risk mandates that you do the things necessary to protect this vital organ. Having multiple risk factors means that you must be more observant of the symptoms of the disease which are vague. Pancreatic cancer has the lowest five-year survival rate of less that 6%. This is primarily because by the time it is diagnosed, the cancer has already metastasized and spread to other organs.
The Major Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors
- Cigarette smoking. This is the most suspect risk. Studies show that cigarette smoking will double the risk of getting cancer of the pancreas. Some research even shows that smoking a pack per day could increase risk by 4 to 5 times. Many researchers believe that quitting smoking for ten years will eliminate this risk. If you do not smoke, don't start. If you do, quit.
- Age risks. Many consider advancing age as the major risk factor. And it is likely because the median age at diagnosis is 72. Diagnosis under age 35 is rare. The risk progressively enlarges as we get older. The percentages of people diagnosed peaks at ages 75 to 84 with a risk factor of just under 30%. For some reason, the rate dramatically falls to about 12% above 84 years old.
- Race factors. Blacks are about 27% more at risk than Whites. Asians are about 22% less likely and Hispanics are almost 20% less likely to be stricken than Whites. Studies of why pancreatic cancer affects races differently have been mostly non-conclusive. Some of the differences could be socioeconomic factors or related to higher or lower rates of smoking.
- Gender factors. Women are stricken with pancreatic cancer less often than men. The reduced risk ranges from about 1.5% to 3.5% depending upon race. Fewer women smoke than men which could be the difference. Studies also show that women are diagnosed at an earlier stage of the cancer than men which makes it more treatable as well.
- Hereditary factors. Statistics show that between 5% and 10% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have a family history of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, genetic predisposition has significant influence as a risk factor. Read about the Ashkenazi Jewish Risk of getting pancreatic cancer.
- Chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. There are 2 types, chronic and acute, both of which can be very serious. The chronic type is long-term and recurring and is most often caused by alcohol abuse or is genetically inherited. There is a strong link between the chronic form and pancreatic cancer with some studies showing a lifetime risk of getting pancreatic cancer at 40 to 70% with a history of chronic pancreatitis. Read more details about pancreatitis.
- Diabetes. Studies do show a link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Diabetes can be both a symptom of cancer of the pancreas and a long-standing adult-onset diabetes may also be a risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Some studies show that 1% of those diagnosed with diabetes after age 50 will be stricken with pancreatic cancer within 3 years of their diagnosis of diabetes.
- Obesity. Being obese will increase the risk for a wide variety of health and medical problems. People that are overweight and obese during early adulthood have a greater risk of contracting pancreatic cancer at a younger age and obesity at an older age is associated with a lower rate of survival from pancreatic cancer.
- Poor diet. There is a lot of controversy of the effects of poor diet and risk of pancreatic cancer. However, most would agree that eating healthy will lessen risk factors to a great number of medical issues and therefore pancreatic cancer is likely included. Many studies show a connection of a high-fat diet and cancer of the pancreas. An excessively high-fat diet combined with lack of exercise can cause obesity which increases the risk getting pancreatic cancer.
- Alcohol abuse. Although there is no conclusive direct link of alcohol abuse and pancreatic cancer, excessive use of alcohol is a major cause of chronic pancreatitis which is a major risk factor of pancreatic cancer.
- Soft drinks. A study in 2010 concludes that drinking as little as two soft drinks per week appears to almost double the risk of getting cancer of the pancreas versus those that do not consume soft drinks at all. Read the results of this study.
Don't Be Fooled By Age Statistics
Do not assume that only "older folks" get pancreatic cancer. Scientists have discovered that pancreatic cancer grows slowly. It takes about 10 years for a mutated pancreatic cell to turn into cancer. Cancerous cells begin to multiply uncontrollably to form a malignant tumor. It takes about 7 years before it reaches the metastasis stage and spreads to other organs and tissue.
So, regardless of the statistics of diagnosis at various ages, the genesis of the cancer actually begins 10 years earlier. The message here is to be very concerned about the risk factors and symptoms regardless of your age. Healthy habits that will mitigate the risk factors should begin at an early age.
Overview Summary
There are many risk factors that are beyond your control such as race, gender and aging factors. But there are factors that you can control to minimize the chances of developing pancreatic cancer. Basically, those controllable risk factors are essentially practicing a healthy lifestyle. If you have multiple risk factors, the more imperative it is lessen those factors that are within your control and to be more observant of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
Other Reading
- About Pancreatic Cancer
- What Is The Pancreas
- Symptoms of Cancer of the Pancreas
- Lessening Pancreatic Risk Factors
- What is Pancreatitis?
Seena Magowitz Pancreatic Cancer Foundation does not intend to provide specific medical advice. It only provides general information to help users better understand their health. SMF urges all users to always consult with qualified physicians for any diagnosis or answers to specific questions.
