What causes pancreatic cancer? Risk factors to know

Do you have a family history of pancreatic cancer and are worried about your own risk? It’s important to understand what causes pancreatic cancer, the most common pancreatic cancer risk factors, and what your individual risk factors are, so you can know where you stand—and what you can do to prevent it.

Although pancreatic cancer is not among the most commonly diagnosed cancers, it is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. Unfortunately, symptoms are often subtle or non-existent for pancreatic cancer in the early stages.

Although anyone can be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, there are some factors that put certain people in a higher risk category than others.

So, what about you? As with all cancers, it’s important to know your risks for pancreatic cancer so you and your doctor can make informed lifestyle and health decisions.

What causes pancreatic cancer?

We don’t know exactly what causes pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer develops when cells in the pancreas begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. This abnormal growth is often triggered by genetic mutations in the DNA of pancreatic cells.

Genetic mutations can be inherited, meaning they’re passed down from your parents, or acquired, meaning they occur after a person is born. Sometimes this is the result of cancer-causing chemicals (like those found in tobacco smoke), but sometimes the cause is random.

Pancreatic cancer risk factors

Several factors can influence your risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Some of these factors you can control through lifestyle changes, and some you can’t control.

Although you may not be able to prevent pancreatic cancer, understanding your risk factors can help you and your doctor make informed lifestyle and health decisions.

Pancreatic cancer risk factors you can’t control

Let’s talk about a few risk factors for pancreatic cancer that are not modifiable, meaning you can’t change or influence them.

Age

The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age. Pancreatic cancer is most commonly diagnosed in people between 60-80 years of age. The average age at the time of diagnosis is 70, and most people are diagnosed older than 45.

Sex

Men have a slightly elevated risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared to women.

Family history

Only about 5-10% of pancreatic cancers are inherited. For some of these cases, the specific genetic cause may not always be known.

You are considered to have a family history of cancer if at least two first-degree relatives or three members of the family have pancreatic cancer. Your risk of developing pancreatic cancer will increase exponentially as the number of first-degree relatives who have been diagnosed increases. And, if those relatives have been diagnosed younger than age 55, your risk increases even more.

However, most people who get pancreatic cancer do not have a family history of the disease.

Race

African Americans are slightly more likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to other races.

Inherited genetic syndromes

There are specific genes or genetic syndromes that have strong associations with the risk of pancreatic cancer. These include:

• Hereditary pancreatitis (PRSS1, SPINK1 genes)
• Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome
• Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes (BRCA1, BRCA 2, PALB2 genes)
• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (STK11 gene)
• Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, or Lynch syndrome (MLH1, MSH2 genes)
• Ataxia-telangiectasia (ATM gene)
• Familial pancreatic cancer (PALB2 gene)
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome

Chronic pancreatitis

If you have chronic pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, research suggests that you have an increased lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer. Chronic pancreatitis is often seen in people with a history of heavy alcohol use and smoking.

Pancreatic cancer risk factors you can control

While you can’t change the above risk factors, there are several other factors within your control. Here are a few pancreatic cancer risk factors that you can influence with your own lifestyle and health choices.

Tobacco use

Smoking is one of the most well-known risk factors for pancreatic cancer. It increases your risk of cancer development by 50-75%, and this risk continues at least a decade after you stop smoking. Use of smokeless tobacco products, pipes and cigars is also associated with increased risk.

Diabetes

Diabetes increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by at least 30%, although the cause is not certain. Most of this risk is found in people with Type 2 diabetes. For people with Type 1 diabetes, the level of risk isn’t clear.

Overweight and obesity

There is a positive link between increased body mass index (BMI) and pancreatic cancer. People who are obese or overweight have an increased risk of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Exposure to certain chemicals

If you work in the dry cleaning or metalworking industry, you may experience heavy exposure to certain chemicals, or carcinogens, that can raise your risk of pancreatic cancer.

Are you at high risk of pancreatic cancer?

So, you’ve identified your individual risks for developing pancreatic cancer. If you think you might be at high risk, don’t panic—talk to your doctor about your concerns. Having an open, honest conversation with your doctor about your risks (those you can change and those you can’t) will help you work together toward better health.

If you are at high risk, you may qualify for our Pancreatic Cancer Familial Risk Assessment Program at the Pancreatic Cancer Center located at Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center – Dallas. Through this program, screening can help you understand your genetics, your risk level and that of your family members, and what screenings might be helpful for you.

Bottom line: pay attention to your risk factors and your family history, but even more importantly, pay attention to your health. Minor symptoms like weight loss, back pain and an upset stomach can be early signs of pancreatic cancer. Talk to your doctor if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

Don’t have a doctor? Find one near you.