Most gene mutations related to cancers of the pancreas occur after a person is born, rather than having been inherited. These acquired gene mutations sometimes result from exposure to cancer-causing chemicals like those found in tobacco smoke. Screening for pancreatic cancer is usually reserved for very specific cases.
The first step may involve genetic testing because of a family history of the disease, according to ACS. If you have a high risk for pancreatic cancer, two common tests—an endoscopic ultrasound or a magnetic resonance imaging MRI scan—may be used to screen for early pancreatic cancer. These methods are not used to screen the general public at average risk, only individuals who are at high risk. Speaking with a physician or genetic counselor may be helpful for you to learn more about your risk for pancreatic cancer and how you can manage it.
Make a difference in the fight against cancer by donating to cancer research. Call us anytime. This page was updated on September 21, Risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer: The basics The pancreas is a gland in the abdomen that makes enzymes for digestion and hormones that control sugar levels in the blood. Initial signs and symptoms are often vague and include: Pain Weight loss Jaundice yellowing of the skin or eyes Loss of appetite Nausea Vomiting Recent-onset diabetes Changes in the stool A diagnosis is usually determined through imaging and tissue sampling.
Modifiable risk factors Modifiable risk factors are those you may manage or change to lower your risk of this disease. They include: Cigarette smoking Smoking is one of the major risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer. Obesity and physical inactivity Being overweight and having little physical activity are also risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Diabetes Diabetes has been studied extensively in relation to pancreatic cancer.
Chronic pancreatitis Chronic inflammation of the pancreas, known as chronic pancreatitis, is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. These include: Age, gender and race The average age for a pancreatic cancer diagnosis is Family history and genetic predisposition syndromes Up to 10 percent of all pancreatic cancers may result from genetic mutations passed from parent to child, according to ACS.
A few genetic syndromes that may cause pancreatic cancer include: Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer HBOC syndrome Hereditary breast cancer Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma FAMMM syndrome Familial pancreatitis Lynch syndrome Peutz-Jeghers syndrome Cystic fibrosis A systematic review and meta-analysis in The Lancet Oncology demonstrates patients with cystic fibrosis have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cysts Patients with a specific type of pancreatic cystic neoplasm, called intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas IPMN , are at risk for developing pancreatic cancer from one of these cysts, according to research published in Gastroenterology.
Risk factors that are unclear or need additional research For these potential risk factors, research is ongoing: Diet A Western diet heavy in processed meat, saturated fats and sugary drinks may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, according to ACS.
Coffee and alcohol consumption As with diet, data regarding coffee and alcohol consumption—and its association with pancreatic cancer development—has been conflicting. The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen, so doctors usually cannot see or feel the tumor during a physical exam.
Also, pancreatic cancer symptoms are not always obvious and usually develop over time. Doctors may use several tests to make a diagnosis.
But, there is no standard test to diagnose pancreatic cancer. This makes diagnosis even more complicated. Patients may get standard approved treatments or take part in clinical trials. Standard treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Clinical trials study new treatments. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network strongly recommends clinical trials at diagnosis and during every treatment decision. Surgery offers the best chance of controlling pancreatic cancer for a long time. But, most patients are diagnosed at later stages and are not eligible for surgery. Tests to find pancreatic cancer in the earliest stages are urgently needed.
As early detection study continues and as technology gets better, researchers predict that we will make progress toward finding the disease earlier. Another challenge is that pancreatic tumors are surrounded by a dense tissue layer, called the stroma.
This makes it difficult for treatment to reach the tumor. Researchers are studying ways to get treatment through the stroma to make it more effective. Also, some cancers have been successfully treated with targeted therapies which block specific mutations. But, these drugs have not been developed specifically for pancreatic cancer yet. Biomarker testing of tumor tissue and genetic testing for inherited mutations tell you about your unique biology.
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