Known Causes of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is often not diagnosed until the disease has advanced and prognosis for survival may be poor. The causes of pancreatic cancer include factors out of your control such as age and genetics, as well as lifestyle choices you can control, such as smoking, diet and body weight. Consider this information from the Mayo Clinic about the known causes of pancreatic cancer.

Smoking

• Smoking tobacco may cause cancer to develop in your pancreas as well as other organs, which may metastasize to the pancreas.

Overweight

• Being overweight or obese may cause cancer of cells in your pancreas from overwork needed to produce digestive enzymes.

Diet

• Not eating enough fruits and vegetables may cause or increase the risk of pancreatic cancer from a lack of fiber and antioxidants.

Pancreatitis

• Pancreatitis is a chronic inflammation of your pancreas that can lead to pancreatic cancer if left untreated.

Genetic Syndromes

• Genetic syndromes such as the BRCA2 (breast cancer) mutation, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Lynch syndrome and familial atypical mole malignant melanoma (FAMMM) are causes of pancreatic cancer.

Older Age

• Older age increases your risk for pancreatic cancer; most diagnoses of pancreatic cancer are in people 70 years and older.

Family History

• A family history of pancreatic cancer may cause inherited genetic mutations and puts you at a greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer yourself.