We still do not know exactly what causes most cases of pancreatic cancer. But some risk factors have been linked to the disease. A risk factor is something that affects a person's chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Some risk factors, such as smoking, can be controlled. Others, like a person's age or race, can't be changed.

Recent research has shown that some of these risk factors affect the DNA of cells in the pancreas, which can lead to abnormal cell growth and may cause tumors to form. DNA is the substance in each cell that carries our genes -- the instructions for how our cells work.

But risk factors don't tell us everything. Having a risk factor, or even several risk factors, does not mean that you will get the disease. And many people who get the disease do not have any known risk factors.

Risk factors for pancreatic cancer

Age: The risk of this cancer goes up with age. Almost 90% of patients are older than 55. The average age at the time the cancer is found is 72.

Gender: Men have this cancer slightly more often than women.

Race: African Americans are more likely to have this cancer than are whites.

Smoking: The risk of getting cancer of the pancreas is 2 to 3 times higher in smokers. About 2 to 3 out of 10 cases of pancreatic cancer are thought to be caused by smoking. People who use smokeless (spit or chew) tobacco are also more likely to get pancreatic cancer.

Diet: There may be a link between pancreatic cancer and high-fat diets that include a lot of red meat, pork, and processed meat (such as sausage and bacon). Some studies have found that diets high in fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. But not all studies have found such links, and the exact role of diet in pancreatic cancer is still under study.

Obesity and lack of exercise: Very overweight people are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, as are those who don't get much exercise.

Diabetes: Pancreatic cancer is more common in people with this disease. The reason for this is not known.

Chronic pancreatitis: This is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas. It is linked with a slightly higher risk of pancreatic cancer, but most people with this condition do not get pancreatic cancer.

Cirrhosis of the liver: Cirrhosis is a scarring of the liver. It happens in people with liver damage from things like hepatitis and alcohol use. People with cirrhosis seem to have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Work exposure: Heavy exposure at work to certain things (pesticides, dyes, and chemicals) may increase the risk of getting cancer of the pancreas.

Family history: Cancer of the pancreas seems to run in some families.

Gene changes: Inherited gene changes (mutations) are abnormal copies of certain genes that can be passed from parent to child. These changed genes may cause pancreatic cancers and can cause other problems, too. The genes that cause these problems have been found by scientists and can be recognized by genetic testing.

Stomach problems: Having too much stomach acid or having bacteria called H. pylori in the stomach may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Last Medical Review: 10/24/2008
Last Revised: 10/24/2008