Risk factors of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer is regarded as one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. The pancreas aid in the digestion and the secretion of various hormones that assist the metabolism of sugars that provide our body energy, hence any issue with the same can cause havoc in the body. Due to the common signs and symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer, it is usually detected late. Pancreatic Cancer spreads fast and is associated with poor prognosis or patient mortality. Hence it is important that one is aware of the causes and the risk factors that can be responsible for Pancreatic Cancer.

Risk Factors that can cause Pancreatic Cancer:

• Age:- The risk of having pancreatic cancer also increases with his/her age. Most individuals who have pancreatic cancer are above 45 years of age. 90% people are above 55 years and 70% are above 65 years of age. Adults of any age may be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
• Smoking:- Individuals that smoke is 2-3 times more vulnerable to pancreatic cancer than non-smokers.
• Gender:- Men are more vulnerable to pancreatic cancer than women.
• Obesity, diet & alcohol:- Regular foods with high fat add to the risk of having pancreatic cancer. Researchers show that obese & even the overweight individuals are highly velnerable of dying due to pancreatic cancer. Heavy alcohol consumption leads to recurrent pancreatitis and then pancreatic cancer.
• Diabetes: – As per several studies, long run diabetes also raises the risk of having pancreatic cancer. Additionally, sudden development of diabetes, later during adulthood could also be an initial symptom of pancreatic cancer. However, not every diabetic is prone to pancreatic cancer.
• Family history:- pancreatic cancer could run within a family, which is known as familial pancreatic cancer, if at least two first-degree relatives like parents, siblings or children, or at least 3 members with pancreatic cancer.
• Rare inherited conditions:- Family members having certain uncommon inherited condition also have a remarkably high risk of growing pancreatic cancer.
• Chronic pancreatitis: – Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and is a painful disease. As per some researchers, chronic pancreatitis could increase the risk of having pancreatic cancer.
• Chemicals:- Exposure to some chemicals like pesticides, some dyes, benzene & even petrochemicals could raise the risk of having pancreatic cancer.
• Bacteria:- Helicobacter pylori, a common bacterium also results in inflammation 7 ulcers in the stomach. Infection of it can lead to stomach & pancreatic cancer.
• Hepatitis B infection:- Hepatitis viruses infect the liver. One study showed that a past infection of hepatitis B was twice as common in individuals having pancreatic cancer than in individuals without this kind of cancer.