Understanding Your Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer

It’s important to understand your personal risk factors so you can take steps to reduce your chances of developing pancreatic cancer.

Risk factors for pancreatic cancer are characteristics or conditions that increase your likelihood of developing the disease. While some risk factors can be controlled, others cannot. 

Risk Factors You Can Change:

• Smoking

• People who smoke are twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to non-smokers.

• Type 2 Diabetes

• When your body struggles to process sugars due to ineffective insulin, this may increase your risk for pancreatic cancer.

• Obesity

• Being overweight is linked to a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

• Drinking Alcohol

• Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to chronic pancreatitis, which is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Risk Factors You Can’t Change 

• Gender

• Men have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared to women.

• Race

• African Americans are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than individuals of other races.

• Family History 

• A family history of pancreatic cancer increases your risk. Genetic mutations, such as those associated with the BRCA2 gene, Lynch syndrome, and familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome, may also raise your chances.

• Older Age

• The majority of pancreatic cancer cases occur in people over the age of 65.

Talk to your doctor today to learn how you can reduce your risk for pancreatic cancer. Understanding your risk factors is the first step in prevention.