Pancreatic Cancer Causes & Risk Factors

While the exact cause of pancreatic cancer is still unknown, a number of factors can increase your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Approximately 3 to 4 percent of people with pancreatic cancer have an inherited genetic mutation. These changes in the genes, which are passed down through families, can also cause other diseases. Mutations in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been found in some families that have a history of pancreatic cancer. These mutations increase the risk of breast, prostate, and certain gynecologic cancers. There are other inherited genetic factors we know about that do not greatly increase your risk of pancreatic cancer.

Lifestyle habits can affect your risk for pancreatic cancer as well. These include:

• Smoking or tobacco use: Smoking is a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is two to three times more common in heavy smokers than in nonsmokers.
• Age: Pancreatic cancer usually occurs in people older than 55.
• Race and ethnicity
• Obesity: Evidence suggests that people with a body mass index of 30 or greater have a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Researchers are studying whether physical activity and a low-fat diet can lower this risk.
• Diabetes: Having type 2 diabetes may increase your risk of pancreatic cancer. In some people, the sudden onset of type 2 diabetes can be caused by pancreatic cancer.
• Chronic pancreatitis: Chronic inflammation of the pancreas, especially in people who smoke, may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to cancer-causing substances (called carcinogens) such as asbestos, pesticides, dyes, and petrochemicals may be linked to the development of pancreatic cancer.