Risk Factors

The Hirshberg Foundation is actively funding research into pancreatic cancer risk factors in order to find early detection methods and better treatment options. Scientists are exploring whether certain genes and genetic mutations increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, as well as how the factors such as diet, obesity and inflammation can accelerate tumor development.

When there is a cancer diagnosis, it’s natural to wonder what may have caused the disease. Doctors can’t always explain why one person gets pancreatic cancer and another doesn’t. However, we do know that people with certain risk factors may be more likely than others to develop cancer of the pancreas.

A risk factor is something that has been associated with an increased risk of getting a disease. Some examples are controllable risk factors that can be changed, such as smoking or diet. Other risk factors are uncontrollable like age or family history. Having a risk factor, or even multiple, does not ensure that you will get cancer, just as some people with few or no risk factors may develop cancer.

Studies have found the following risk factors for cancer of the pancreas:

Tobacco Use

Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for pancreatic cancer. People who smoke are almost twice as likely as those who have never smoked to develop pancreatic cancer. Cigar smoking, vaping and smokeless tobacco use also increases the risk. There is evidence that once smoking has stopped, the risk decreases. If you are a smoker, there are many programs available to help you quit, so ask your doctor for recommendations.

Diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, are more likely than others to develop pancreatic cancer over time. Type 2 diabetes is often linked to obesity. The connection between type 2 diabetes, obesity and pancreatic cancer is not fully understood but it is an active area of research.

Obesity

People who are overweight or obese are slightly more likely than other people to develop pancreatic cancer. Obesity is defined by having a body mass index [BMI] of 30 or more. Research into obesity, inflammation and pancreatic cancer has shown that obesity causes many genetic alterations in the pancreas, which may be one of the mechanisms that accelerate tumor development. Obesity can also cause inflammation in the pancreas, which is another risk factor for developing cancer of the pancreas.

Chronic Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, caused when digestive enzymes become activated while still in the pancreas, irritating the cells of the pancreas and causing inflammation. Chronic pancreatitis, the long-term inflammation of the pancreas, is linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Chronic pancreatitis is often seen with heavy alcohol consumption and smoking.

Family history

Research shows that there is an increased risk for those with a familial history of pancreatic cancer. The risk is greater when there is a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who developed pancreatic cancer before the age of 50 or if there are two or more first-degree relatives who have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer are advised to consider genetic counseling and genetic testing to see if they are at higher risk for pancreatic cancer and possibly other cancers. Genetic testing and counseling can lead to changes in medical management that can reduce the chance of developing cancer or lead to increased surveillance for cancer with the goal of detecting cancer earlier when treatment options and outcomes are better. Although family history is a risk factor, most cases are not linked to family history.

Race (Ethnicity)

African-Americans have a slightly higher incidence of pancreatic cancer compared to individuals of Asian, Hispanic or Caucasian descent. The correlation is not clear, however, non-Hispanic African-Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. There is also a higher incidence of pancreas cancer among Ashkenazi Jews, possibly due to a gene mutation involving the BRCA1 or BRCA2 hereditary cancer predisposition genes.

Inherited Genetic Syndromes

Inherited gene mutations can be passed from parent to child and may cause as much as 10% of pancreas cancers. Some of these gene mutations cause syndromes that include increased risk of cancer, as well as other health issues. Inherited genetic syndromes that researchers are currently studying for their connection to pancreatic cancer, include:

Hereditary breast cancer
Hereditary ovarian cancer
Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome associated with skin and eye melanomas
Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, also linked with polyps in the digestive tract and several other cancers
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

Researchers are also studying:

Familial (hereditary) pancreatitis, usually caused by mutation in the PRSS1 gene but can also be caused by many other genes.
Hereditary Cancer Predisposition. Inherited mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, PALB2, TP53, certain genes associated with Lynch syndrome (MLH1, MSH2, EPCAM and MSH6), CDKN2A, STK11, and APC have been shown to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer and other cancers. There are other genes that have limited data supporting a possible association with increased risk for pancreatic cancer.

Having an inherited mutation in a gene related to pancreatic cancer does not mean that you will develop pancreatic cancer however you may be at greater risk. Gene mutations that cause some of these syndromes can be found by genetic testing. Learn more about genetic testing & genetic counseling.

The risk factors for pancreatic cancer are an area of research that we are actively funding. Scientists are studying whether a diet high in fat, especially animal fat, or heavy alcohol consumption may increase the risk of disease. We also fund research into whether certain genes and genetic mutations increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Our researchers are investigating the interplay between diet, obesity and inflammation, as well as how these factors can accelerate pancreatic cancer development.

If you or a loved one are at increased risk for pancreatic cancer, we are here to help. Please contact us for more information or to speak with someone directly.