Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. It is a silent killer coz pancreatic cancer is usually asymptomatic in its early stages. Pancreatic cancer symptoms look like common problems resulting from non-benign diseases. In over 50 percent of cases, pancreatic cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage i.e. stage III or Stage IV when it is difficult to treat. Hence, the 5-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer patients is only 10%.
Understanding the risk factors of pancreatic cancer will help you adopt proactive measures to reduce the chance of developing the disease.
Obesity
Obesity is closely associated with several diseases, including cancer. In overweight or obese people, fat tissues produce more growth factors and hormones compared to people with a healthy weight. If it comes to some of these hormones, including insulin, higher levels may enhance the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
A new study claims that obesity, which has almost become a global pandemic, may add 670,000 new cancer patients over the next couple of decades.
Diabetes
The link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer is an open secret. However, in recent years, researchers have come up with significant evidence that diabetes could be a symptom of pancreatic cancer.
Research claims that high blood sugar, a symptom of both type I and type 2 diabetes, may cause cancer. Pancreatic cancer may develop insulin resistance in cells and it will cause diabetes. Insulin is a key hormone produced by the beta cells of pancreatic islets.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis, in its several forms, may increase pancreatic cancer risk. Liver and pancreas share the same ducts and blood vessels. Research shows that hepatitis viruses, which primarily affect liver, also find pancreas a potential target organ.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis refers to acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas. If pancreatitis lasts over five years, it’s called chronic pancreatitis. Sudden onset inflammation in the pancreas is called acute pancreatitis. Scientists claim that both types may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer eightfold.
Both conditions – chronic and acute pancreatitis – have similar symptoms, including stomach pain, unintended weight loss, digestive problems, fever etc. At the best cancer hospital in Kolkata, oncologists will keep you on a constant watch to figure out whether your symptoms are caused by pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. However, remember that pancreatitis may or may not be symptomatic.
Lynch Syndrome
Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition, is closely associated with colorectal or colon cancer. However, it may boost the risk of developing pancreatic cancer as well. The syndrome, called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, is caused by gene mutations that heavily affect cells’ natural mechanisms to repair their damaged DNA.
Lynch syndrome affects 1 out of 300 people. If your father or mother has Lynch syndrome, you have 50% chance of inheriting the mutation. Lynch syndrome and other mutations may increase your cancer risk. However, it doesn’t mean you will have the disease.
Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome is another genetic condition to increase pancreatic cancer risk. This syndrome triggers the growth of a certain type of polyp in the nose, lungs and digestive tract. These are called hamartomatous polyps. They are usually benign but may cause health problems like bleeding or gastrointestinal blockages.
A defective STK11 gene triggers PJS, which may lead to uncontrollable cell growth and cancer. People with PJS are prone to developing cancer in pancreas as well as GI tract, breast, ovaries and cervix.