Risk factors for pancreatic cancer
It is not possible to say what causes pancreatic cancer in a single person. We do know there are some features that are more common in people who develop pancreatic cancer. These features are called ”risk factors”.
But it is usually hard to be sure whether a risk factor contributed to the development of the cancer. And having one or more risk factors does not mean that someone will develop this cancer. In fact, many people with pancreatic cancer have no obvious risk factors.
Risk factors for pancreatic cancer that can be changed include:
- tobacco smoking
- being overweight
Risk factors for pancreatic cancer that can’t be changed include:
- getting older
- family history of pancreatic cancer
- diabetes, especially Type 2 Diabetes.
- chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- liver cirrhosis
- stomach infection, such as from bacteria like helicobacter pylori.