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Pancreatic cancer accounts for 3% of all cancer cases in the United States, affecting about 1 in 56 men and 1 in 60 women. The rate of new cases has been steadily rising for the past 30 years. It begins as a growth of cells in the pancreas. The pancreas sits behind the lower part of the stomach, and helps create enzymes that digest food, as well as hormones that manage blood sugar levels. The pancreas itself consists of two types of cells: exocrine and endocrine cells. The majority of pancreatic cancer starts in the exocrine cells that line the ducts of the pancreas.
Unfortunately, this cancer is difficult to diagnose. Many people do not realize they have pancreatic cancer until the disease has progressed. There may be vague symptoms up to one year before an official diagnosis, so knowing what to look for and potential risk factors is important! Here, PatientsLikeMe will go into detail on the condition itself, symptoms, and steps you can take to lower your risk.
Prevalence of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is not as common as some other cancers, but it is very serious. It is the 12th most common form of cancer worldwide. Studies have shown that the incidence of pancreatic cancer is increasing more quickly for people under the age of 55 than over, and more quickly in women than men. In the United States, about 60,000 people are diagnosed each year. For 2024, the American Cancer Society estimate:
- 34,530 men will be diagnosed
- 31,010 women will be diagnosed
Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. There are two main factors that contribute to this. The first is that at the time of diagnosis, pancreatic cancer has usually metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body. The second is that there are not many effective therapies for treating metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Risk Factors
Doctors don't know exactly what causes pancreatic cancer, but some things make it more likely. These are known as risk factors. Some, like unhealthy habits, can be changed. Others cannot, like your age or family history of the cancer. Having a risk factor does not mean you will get pancreatic cancer, just like not having them doesn't mean you are clear of any danger. These are just indicators to be aware of.
Risk Factors You Can Change
- Tobacco Use: Smoking is one of the most impactful risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Those who smoke are at double the risk of developing the cancer, and about 25% of pancreatic cancers are thought to be caused by smoking.
- Being Overweight: People who are obese (severely overweight) are about 20% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.
- Diabetes: Most risk is found for people with type 2 diabetes. The reason is still unknown, and it is not clear yet if people with type 1 also have a higher risk.
- Chronic Pancreatitis: This condition is the long-term inflammation of the pancreas. It often develops with a history of heavy alcohol use and smoking.
- Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Certain carcinogens used in dry cleaning and metal working may raise the risk of developing cancer.
Risk Factors You Cannot Change
- Age: Almost all patients are over the age of 45. About two-thirds are over 65, and the average age of diagnosis is 70.
- Sex: Men are slightly more likely than women to develop pancreatic cancer.
- Race: There is a higher incidence rate in Black populations than White, although the reasons are still unclear. Mortality rates are also higher.
- Family History: Genetic mutations can be passed down from generation to generation. These may cause as many as 10% of all cases.
Factors With an Unclear Effect on Risk
- Diet: Red and processed meats, saturated fats, and sugary drinks may increase risk. More research is needed.
- Physical Inactivity: Some evidence shows that a lack of physical activity may increase risk. Not all studies have shown this to be true.
- Coffee: Older studies looking into the connection between coffee and pancreatic cancer suggested a link. Newer studies have not confirmed this, however.
- Alcohol: Heavy alcohol use can lead to conditions like chronic pancreatitis, which we discussed above.
- Infections: Some studies suggest that stomach infections or hepatitis B may increase risk, but more research is needed.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is hard to find early because symptoms often appear late. By the time the condition does cause symptoms, it has often either grown very large or spread to other parts of the body. Here are some signs to watch for.
- Fatigue: Pancreatic cancer often causes people to have a lack or energy or feel physically weak. This can be because of poor sleep or a change in mood.
- Jaundice: Jaundice is when the eyes and skin start to yellow. This is caused by a buildup of a substance called bilirubin in the liver. Tumors in the pancreas can press on the bile duct that is supposed to move bilirubin from the liver to the intestines. When it accumulates, it leads to jaundice.
- Weight Loss and Poor Appetite: Because the cancer affects the pancreas and surrounding organs, a loss of appetite or weight loss is common.
- Belly or Back Pain: When the cancer grows in the pancreas, it presses on surrounding organs causing pain. It can also impact the nerves around the pancreas.
- Nausea: If the cancer presses on the stomach, it can partially block it. This makes it hard for food to pass through, causing nausea and vomiting.
- Blood Clots: A deep vein thrombosis is when a clot forms in a large vein. This usually happens in the legs, and can lead to pain or swelling. A piece of the clot can also break off and travel to the lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe.
- Diabetes: Certain cells in the pancreas produce insulin. If the cancer destroys these cells, the person affected can develop diabetes.
What Can You Do to Avoid Pancreatic Cancer?
While you cannot change some risk factors like age and family history, there are some areas you have control over. The most important avoidable risk is smoking. If you smoke, try to quit. If you do not smoke, don't start. Staying at a healthy weight is also important! Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. Experts recommend a diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drinking too much alcohol can also hurt your pancreas. This does not mean you have to cut it out entirely, but heavy alcohol use has been tied to pancreatic cancer and can lead to conditions like chronic pancreatitis.
The earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the better the treatment outcomes. Regular health screenings are extremely important for catching this condition before it spreads! Work with your health care team, get regular physicals, and stay on top of your health.
Pancreatic cancer is a serious disease. While it is becoming more common, you can lower your risk and manage your health with some simple changes. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor! Be sure to check out PatientsLikeMe for more information.