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African-American Patient Guide
Educational Module
(7 of 12 sections)
See table of contents for more!
CLICK HERE for the extended version of this section
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
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