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PANCREATIC CANCER

African-American Patient Guide
Educational Module

What raises my chances of getting pancreatic cancer?

(7 of 12 sections)
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There are things that can raise the chance of getting pancreatic cancer.

Smoking: The most important lifestyle factor that can lead to pancreatic cancer is smoking. It is estimated that up to 25% of pancreatic cancers are caused by smoking.

Diet: There appears to be a link between diets that are high in saturated fat, red meat, processed food, and sugary drinks with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Alcohol: Excessive drinking is also a risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

Obesity and Diabetes: Both of these conditions are linked to pancreatic cancer.

Race/Ethnicity: African Americans are more likely than other ethnicities to get cancer of the pancreas.

Age/Sex:  Pancreatic cancer is more frequent with age. The average age at diagnosis is about 70. Men are a little more likely to get pancreatic cancer than women.

Other Illnesses:  Other health conditions that can raise your chance of getting pancreatic cancer include chronic pancreatitis.

Family history/genetic factors: Some DNA mutations increase the risk of getting pancreatic cancer. Genetic testing can look for these mutations in your inherited DNA.

Exposure to certain substances:  Certain metals, chemicals, and dyes may be risk factors for pancreatic cancer.

Written by: Jasmine Mitchell, University of California Santa Barbara

Edited by: Dale O’Brien, MD, Cancer Patients Alliance

Formatting and content by: Raewyn O’Haire, AB, Cancer Patients Alliance

Consultant: Neil Atam, University of California Santa Barbara

Top Reference

Pancreatic resection: a key component to reducing racial disparities in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
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Click Here for the ACS Journal article