Although it is not the most common form of cancer, pancreatic cancer affects thousands of Americans each year. This is a dangerous disease that spreads rapidly, and it is often difficult to detect until it reaches the later stages. Thankfully, understanding which factors increase your risk of developing it ensures you can be proactive and aware. Below are several items that affect how likely you are to get this type of cancer.

What Can Increase the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer?

1. Family History & Genetics

If pancreatic cancer runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk of developing it. Often, this comes from inherited genetic mutations, such as Lynch syndrome, hereditary breast cancer, and familial pancreatitis. The gene causing inherited risk is not always known. However, if you have direct family members who have been diagnosed with this condition, you should have your doctor screen for it regularly.

2. Demographics

There are a few demographic trends that affect the likelihood of pancreatic cancer. For example, men seem to be more likely to develop it than women, which is possibly due to higher tobacco usage. Diagnosed cases also increase with age, with most patients being older than 45 and the average age being 70. Black Americans are at a higher risk than other races for unknown reasons, although it may relate to higher rates of other factors, such as smoking and diabetes.

3. Smoking Cigarettes

Smoking is known to cause a variety of health issues. It is also a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer, as people who smoke are twice as likely to develop it than those who do not. Fortunately, quitting tobacco can gradually reduce risk. After 20 years, a former smoker has the same risk as someone who never smoked.

4. Being Overweight

A lack of physical activity combined with being overweight may be linked to elevated pancreatic cancer risk. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more have greater risk than people at a normal weight, which is often a BMI between 18.5 and 25. A higher waist-to-hip ratio in women, and men to a lesser extent, may also increase risk.

5. Diabetes

Diabetes has a connection to many diseases because it interferes with how your body processes nutrients. This means it can double your risk of developing pancreatic cancer. If you are diagnosed with diabetes after turning 50, which is referred to as new-onset diabetes, you are eight times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than the general population.

If you are at a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, contact Tennessee Plateau Oncology – Dirk Davidson M.D. in Crossville, TN. Serving the Cumberland Plateau and surrounding counties since 2002, these oncologists have over 100 years of combined experience testing for and treating a variety of cancers. They develop comprehensive care plans for each patient and provide compassionate care throughout treatment. Visit the website to learn more about their services, and call (931) 484-7596 to schedule an evaluation.