Prevention
The main risk factor for pancreatic cancer is preventable: smoking. About 30% of pancreatic cancers are thought to be a direct result of cigarette smoking. Other risks include:
- Age (most often seen in those older than 60)
- Gender (Men are 30% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.)
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Diet (A diet high in meats and fats appears to increase risk.)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Exposure to some industrial chemicals, such as certain pesticides and petroleum products
- Family history (An inherited tendency may be a factor in 5% to 10% of cases.)
It should be noted that most people who have known risk factors do not get pancreatic cancer, and many who do get pancreatic cancer have none of these risk factors.
