Pancreatic cancer is a very serious illness that starts in the pancreas, a small organ behind the stomach.
The pancreas helps with digestion and controls how much sugar is in the blood.
When cancer starts here, it can be hard to treat because most people don’t notice any symptoms until it has already spread.
This is why it’s important to learn what causes it and how to spot the signs early.
One of the biggest causes of pancreatic cancer is smoking. People who smoke have about double the chance of getting this cancer compared to those who don’t.
Cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that damage the cells in the pancreas, which can lead to cancer.
Quitting smoking not only helps protect your lungs and heart but also lowers your risk of getting pancreatic cancer.
Age also matters. Most people who get pancreatic cancer are older than 65. As we grow older, the chances of damage to our cells go up.
This damage can sometimes turn into cancer. Although we can’t stop aging, we can go for regular check-ups as we get older to catch problems early.
Family history is another important factor. If a parent, brother, or sister had pancreatic cancer, your chances of getting it are higher. This may be because of genes that are passed down in the family.
Some gene changes, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations (which are also linked to breast and ovarian cancer), can increase the risk. Scientists are studying these genes to better understand how they lead to cancer and to help people get tested if they might be at risk.
Another cause is chronic pancreatitis. This means the pancreas is inflamed for a long time. It can happen because of heavy drinking, gallstones, or inherited health problems. Long-term inflammation can damage the pancreas and increase cancer risk.
People with inherited pancreatitis have an even higher chance of getting pancreatic cancer, especially as they age.
Being overweight or eating an unhealthy diet can also raise the risk. People who are obese are more likely to get pancreatic cancer. Eating too much red or processed meat, sugary drinks, and greasy foods can make this worse. On the other hand, eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and keeping a healthy weight can help protect you.
Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, is linked to a higher risk as well. Researchers are still trying to figure out exactly why, but high blood sugar and insulin problems may play a part. Taking care of your diabetes with healthy food, exercise, and medication can help lower this risk.
Some jobs might expose people to harmful chemicals, like pesticides or metals, which can also increase the chance of pancreatic cancer. People who work with these substances should wear protective gear and follow safety rules at work. Researchers are continuing to study how these chemicals affect the body and how workers can be better protected.
While some of these risks can’t be changed—like age or family history—others can. Not smoking, eating well, keeping a healthy weight, and managing health conditions like diabetes are all steps people can take to lower their risk. Learning about pancreatic cancer and knowing the warning signs can help people get checked earlier.
Scientists around the world are working hard to understand more about this disease. They are looking for better ways to find it early, treat it more effectively, and help people live longer.
The more we know about what causes pancreatic cancer, the more we can do to prevent it or catch it before it spreads. By spreading this knowledge, we give more people the chance to take care of their health and get the help they need in time.
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