The short answer
Pancreatic cancer risk is higher for people who smoke, have long-standing diabetes or chronic pancreatitis, are older, or have a family history or certain inherited syndromes. Not smoking is the biggest changeable factor.
Smoking is the most important changeable risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
Long-standing diabetes and chronic pancreatitis raise risk.
Risk increases with age and is higher with obesity.
A family history or certain inherited syndromes raises risk.
Choose how you want to understand this
The full explanation.
The simple version
A risk factor is anything that raises the chance of developing a disease. For pancreatic cancer, smoking is the most important changeable risk factor, along with conditions like diabetes and chronic pancreatitis. Having risk factors does not mean you will get cancer.
The main risk factors
Known risk factors include:
- Smoking — the most important changeable factor
- Long-standing diabetes
- Chronic pancreatitis (long-term inflammation)
- Older age and obesity
- A family history or certain inherited gene changes
Diabetes and the pancreas
Long-standing diabetes is linked to higher risk. Interestingly, new-onset diabetes can sometimes be an early sign of pancreatic cancer rather than a cause, which is why new diabetes with other symptoms may be investigated.
Smoking is the biggest changeable risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
Lowering your risk
You cannot change your age or family history, but not smoking, keeping a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol may help lower risk. If you have a strong family history, ask about genetic counseling.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What raises pancreatic cancer risk?
Key risk factors include smoking, long-standing diabetes, chronic pancreatitis (long-term inflammation of the pancreas), older age, obesity, and a family history or certain inherited gene changes.
▸How much does smoking matter?
Smoking is the most important changeable risk factor. People who smoke have a higher risk, and quitting lowers it over time.
▸Does diabetes cause pancreatic cancer?
Long-standing diabetes is linked to a higher risk. In some cases, new diabetes can also be an early sign of pancreatic cancer rather than a cause.
▸Can I lower my risk?
You cannot change your age or family history, but not smoking, keeping a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol may help lower risk.
Questions to ask your doctor
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