Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors

Smoking plays a big role in the development of pancreatic cancer.:

Cigarettes contain carcinogens, which are cancer causing substances. Smokers are 2-3 times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer over a non-smoker.

Being diabetic. :

Although researchers are not sure why, but having diabetes may increase your risk factor.

Age.:

As you get older, your risk factor for pancreatic increases.

Race. :

African Americans have a higher risk factor for developing pancreatic cancer. Researchers are unclear as to why, but studies suggest that higher rates of smoking and economic factors may be the cause.

Gender.:

Men develop pancreatic cancer at a higher rate than women.

Chronic Pancreatitis:

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Having chronic pancreatitis increases your risk factor for pancreatic cancer, especially if it is inherited.

Religion.:

Pancreatic cancer is more common in the Jewish population. Researchers feel it may be due to an inherited genetic mutation of the BRCA2 gene.