Known
Risk Factors
|
| 1) Cigarette smoking |
Cigarette smoke contains a large number of carcinogens (cancer causing
chemicals). Therefore, it is not surprising that cigarette smoking is one
of the biggest risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer. For example,
smoking during college has been associated with a 2-3 fold increased risk
of pancreatic cancer. |
| 2) Age
|
The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age. Over 80%
of the cases develop between the ages of 60 and 80. |
| 3) Race |
Studies in the United States have shown that pancreatic cancer is more
common in the African-American population than it is in the white population.
Some of this increased risk may be due to socioeconomic factors and to
cigarette smoking. |
| 4) Gender |
Cancer of the pancreas is more common in men than in women. This may
be, in part, because men are more likely to smoke than women. |
| 5) Religious Background |
Pancreatic cancer is proportionally more common in Jews than the rest
of the population. This may be because of a particular inherited mutation
in the breast cancer gene
(BRCA2) which runs in some Jewish families. |
| 6) Chronic pancreatitis |
Long-term inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) has been linked
to cancer of the pancreas. The reason for this association is not clear,
but it is greatest in patients with inherited chronic pancreatitis. |
| 7) Diabetes |
There have been a number of reports which have suggested that diabetics
have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The reasons for
this are not clear. |
| 8) Peptic ulcer surgery |
Patients who have had a portion of their stomach removed (partial gastrectomy)
appear to have an increased risk for developing pancreatic cancer. |
| 9) Diet |
Diets high in meats, cholesterol fried foods and nitrosamines may increase
the risk, while diets high in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk
of pancreatic cancer. |
This site is supported by generous educational grants from
the Vesalius Trust
