Pancreatic cancer must be treated early. Signs and symptoms to watch for
- Age: The risk of pancreatic cancer increases with age. Most cases are diagnosed in people over 60.
- Smoking: Smoking is the most significant risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Approximately 20% of all cases are due to smoking.
- Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by approximately 50%. This is because people with diabetes have higher levels of insulin in their blood, which can promote the growth of cancer cells.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by approximately 20%.
- Family history: If a close relative (parent, sibling, or child) has pancreatic cancer, the risk of developing the disease increases. Hereditary syndromes such as endocrine neoplasms and BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene abnormalities also increase the risk.
- Ethnic origin: African Americans and people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a higher risk of pancreatic cancer than people of other races.
- Exposure to certain chemicals: People who work with certain chemicals, such as in dry cleaning or metallurgy, are at increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Sex: Men are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than women.
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