Can Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Be Prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Some risk factors such as family history can’t be controlled. But there are things you can do that might lower your risk.
Don’t smoke
Smoking is an avoidable risk factor for pancreatic NET. Quitting smoking may help lower risk. If you smoke and want help quitting, please talk to your health care provider or call us at 1-800-227-2345.
Limit alcohol use
Heavy alcohol use has been tied to pancreatic NETs in some studies but not in others. This link is still not certain, but heavy alcohol use can lead to conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, which has been associated with an increased risk of pancreatic NET.
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Ben Q, Zhong J, Fei J, et al. Risk Factors for Sporadic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Case-Control Study. Scientific Reports. 2016;6:36073. doi:10.1038/srep36073.
Haugvik SP, Hedenström P, Korsæth E, et al. Diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, and family history of cancer as risk factors for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuroendocrinology. 2015;101(2):133-42. doi: 10.1159/000375164. Epub 2015 Jan 22.
Leoncini E, Carioli G, La Vecchia C, Boccia S, Rindi G. Risk factors for neuroendocrine neoplasms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Oncol. 2016 Jan;27(1):68-81. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdv505. Epub 2015 Oct 20.
Last Medical Review: October 30, 2018 Last Revised: October 30, 2018
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