Pancreatic Cancer Prevention

Even early-stage pancreatic cancers are complex and difficult to treat. As such, pancreatic cancer prevention remains key to surviving the disease. And the first step is understanding the causes of pancreatic cancer.

The pancreas is an organ that produces enzymes that aid in digestion as well as hormones that regulate blood sugar. It’s located behind the stomach near the intestines and measures approximately six inches long.

The vast majority (90%) of pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas, which form when the organ’s exocrine cells grow out of control. A small percentage of pancreatic cancers originate in the endocrine cells. Such cancers are referred to as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), and have very different characteristics and risk factors.

Yes, smoking is one of the major causes of pancreatic cancer. In fact, the number one cause of exocrine pancreatic cancer is tobacco use, including cigar and cigarette smoking and vaping. About a quarter of all pancreatic cancers can be attributed to smoking, according to the American Cancer Society. And the risk is cumulative, meaning the more you smoke, the higher your odds for developing pancreatic cancer. The good news is that quitting can reduce your pancreatic cancer risk — as well as your risk for developing lung, esophageal and other cancers.

Other pancreatic cancer risk factors include:

• Obesity. People who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more are at a greater pancreatic cancer risk as compared to people with BMIs under 30. Obesity appears to raise a person’s risk of developing pancreatic cancer by about 20%, according to ACS.
• Chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is when the enzymes the pancreas produces begin to attack the organ itself, causing inflammation and irritation. Chronic pancreatitis is typically caused by heavy alcohol use, although inherited disorders such as cystic fibrosis, as well as excess calcium or fat in the blood and even some medications, can lead to the condition.
• Type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk for pancreatic cancer as compared with people who don’t have diabetes. It is unclear whether the connection is specific to the diabetes itself or because people with type 2 diabetes also tend to be overweight.
• Workplace exposure. Prolonged exposure to chemicals used in dry cleaning businesses and metal work are pancreatic cancer risk factors.
• Age. Your risk of pancreatic cancer increases with age. It’s uncommon to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer before age 45, and nearly two-thirds of patients are 65 or older at the time of diagnosis.
• Family history of pancreatic cancer. Certain inherited genetic syndromes are the cause of pancreatic cancer in about 10% of cases. If you have family members who have been diagnosed with hereditary breast or ovarian cancer, melanoma, or prostate or colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about genetic counseling.

Nearly a quarter of all pancreatic cancers are preventable, which means it’s possible to reduce your risk by making lifestyle changes. Follow these pancreatic cancer prevention guidelines:

• Quit all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars and vaping.
• Avoid alcohol or limit yourself to one drink per day for women or two drinks for men.
• Limit workplace exposure to chemicals and follow all occupational safety protocols.
• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugary drinks, and red and processed meat.