Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors and What You Can Do

Medically Reviewed By Teresa Hagan Thomas PHD, BA, RN

Some pancreatic cancer risk factors, such as tobacco use, are modifiable. This means certain steps may help reduce their impact. Other risk factors, such as age, are non-modifiable and cannot be changed. This article discusses modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for pancreatic cancer and possible prevention. It discusses other possible risk factors according to early research and also the outlook of pancreatic cancer risk factors.

Modifiable risk factors

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Modifiable risk factors are those that can be modified with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes. These changes can help reduce the risk of developing cancer. Following are some modifiable risk factors for pancreatic cancer.

Tobacco and nicotine use

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), people who smoke are twice as likely Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source to develop pancreatic cancer as those who have never smoked.

Additionally, about 25% of pancreatic cancer cases may result from cigarette smoking. However, other kinds of tobacco and nicotine products, such as chewing tobacco and vapes, can also present pancreatic cancer risks.

See more tips for quitting smoking.

High alcohol consumption

Consuming more than three drinks Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source per day may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a 2019 review.

Low to moderate alcohol use may also increase risks when combined with smoking.

Learn more about alcohol misuse and its treatment.

Exposure to certain substances

Regular or heavy exposure to some chemicals and heavy metals may lead to Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, according to an older 2015 review.

Examples of substances linked to pancreatic cancer include:

You can be exposed to harmful chemicals in your home or workplace. Examples include while cleaning the home or in metalworking industries. You may be able to reduce contamination from harmful substances by:

  • advocating for ways to reduce skin contact with chemicals in the workplace
  • advocating for the use of less harmful substances where possible
  • wearing protective equipment, such as gloves or respirators
  • keeping the area well-ventilated
  • washing your hands well with soap and water after using chemicals
  • changing your clothes or showering after using chemicals

Body weight and physical activity

The ACS states that people with obesity have about a 20% higher Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source chance of developing pancreatic cancer.

Additionally, other possible risk factors related to body mass include:

  • gaining weight during adulthood
  • having extra body mass around the waistline

A low rate of physical activity may also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer and worsen Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source outcomes.

Read more about losing lower belly fat and exercising for weight maintenance.

Some cases of diabetes

Pancreatic cancer may be more common Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source in people with diabetes, especially those with type 2 diabetes. However, type 2 diabetes can be preventable Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source .

Approaches for diabetes prevention include:

  • losing body mass if you are overweight
  • getting 150 minutes Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source of moderate-intensity exercise and 2 days of muscle strengthening per week
  • reducing added sugar and highly processed foods in the diet
  • treating underlying conditions as your doctor advises

If you already have diabetes, following your prescribed treatment plan can help reduce the risk of complications.

Some cases of chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is long-term inflammation of the pancreas, which may increase cancer risk.

Chronic pancreatitis is often the result of long-term alcohol misuse, and sometimes tobacco use. Therefore, it may be preventable.

Non-modifiable risk factors

Some risk factors cannot be changed. Following are some non-modifiable pancreatic cancer risk factors.

Age

The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age.

Most people with pancreatic cancer are older than 45 Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source . About two-thirds of people with pancreatic cancer are 65 or older.

Sex

People assigned male at birth may have an increased Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source r Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source i Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source s Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source k Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of developing pancreatic cancer compared with people assigned female at birth.

One reason for this may be Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source that people assigned male at birth have higher rates of tobacco use.

Race

According to the 2019 review, the risk of pancreatic cancer is more common Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source in Black people than in most other racial categories. Researchers suggest that this could be due to genetic factors as well as modifiable risk factors, such as:

  • diet and alcohol consumption
  • smoking
  • vitamin D insufficiency

Pancreatic cancer rates may be lowest in Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Family history

Pancreatic cancer may run in families as a result of inheritable genetic traits. Research suggests that about 5–10% Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of people with pancreatic cancer have a family history of it.

However, most people Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source with pancreatic cancer do not have a history of it in their family.

Other genetic factors and conditions

Genetic predisposition to certain gene mutations may contribute Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source to the risk of pancreatic cancer. This can include BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.

Some genetic syndromes may also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, such as Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source :

Some cases of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is also linked to a higher risk Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of pancreatic cancer.

However, researchers also suggest that pancreatic cancer may be the original cause of some diabetic symptoms, such as insulin resistance.

Some cases of chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis caused by an inherited genetic mutation may result in a higher Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer.

Other possible risks

Researchers have identified additional possible risk factors for pancreatic cancer. However, their exact effect on pancreatic health is not confirmed yet. Further research may be necessary.

Other potential risk factors include Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source :

Outlook

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. However, experiencing a risk factor does not mean you will develop cancer. Conversely, some people who do not experience known risk factors do develop cancer.

As a result, your outlook and possible complications can depend on many personal factors. Contact your doctor for individualized advice about your own risk and how to reduce it.

Read more about pancreatic cancer, including its causes, treatment, and outlook.

Summary

Pancreatic cancer risk factors can be modifiable or non-modifiable.

Modifiable risk factors for pancreatic cancer include body weight, tobacco use, and preventable conditions. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, genetic predisposition, and medical history.

Contact your doctor if you are concerned about pancreatic cancer and for advice on reducing your risk.

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Medical Reviewer: Teresa Hagan Thomas PHD, BA, RN
Last Review Date: 2023 Feb 8
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