What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cancer?
The causes of most cases of pancreatic cancer are unknown. Several risk factors have been linked to the disease, including the following: Age: The risk of this cancer increases with age with almost all cases in persons older than 50 years. Gender: Men have this cancer more often than women. Race: African Americans are more likely to have this cancer than whites. Smoking: The risk of this cancer is higher among smokers. Heavy smoking increases the risk two to three times. Diet and obesity: A diet high in meats and fat and being obese also may increase the risk. Diabetes: Pancreatic cancer is more common in people with diabetes. Chronic pancreatitis: This is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas and is linked with a slightly higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Work exposure: Some chemicals such as certain bug sprays, dyes or gasoline products may increase the risk of this cancer. Family history: Cancer of the pancreas seems to run in some families. Changes in DNA that increase the risk
