Pancreatic Cancer Signs

Get ahead of the silent killer known as pancreatic cancer by understanding its signs. Silent, yet deadly, this elusive disease often goes unnoticed until it's at an advanced stage. But you can beat it at its own game! Embark on this enlightening journey with us to unearth the subtle whispers of pancreatic cancer, empowering you to take control early and stand strong in the face of adversity. Knowledge is power, and it begins right here with recognizing the signs of pancreatic cancer!

Cause:

Age as a Risk Factor

Stat: Pancreatic cancer is more common in older individuals, with the average age of diagnosis being 70 years.

The health concerns associated with advancing age often encompass conditions like pancreatic cancer. Data reveals that this type of cancer is relatively rare in individuals below the age of 50. A significant majority, over 80%, of cases present themselves in individuals aged between 60 and 80. These numbers indicate that the risk of this disease escalates with the process of aging.

Hereditary Factors

Fact: Family history plays a significant role in pancreatic cancer risk. Individuals with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has had the disease have a two to three times higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer themselves.

Studies indicate that genetics significantly contribute to the susceptibility to pancreatic cancer. Approximately ten percent of all instances are associated with hereditary factors, particularly family cancer syndrome. This syndrome is typically identified when a specific cancer type is diagnosed in multiple family members. A mutation in the BRCA2 gene is known to elevate the likelihood of developing both breast and pancreatic cancer. Further, research points out that individuals with a father, son, or brother diagnosed with this disease face a higher risk.

Cigarette Smoking

Stat: Pancreatic cancer has a strong association with smoking, as approximately 20-30% of cases are linked to tobacco use.

While the correlation between cigarette smoking and lung cancer is well-known, the association with pancreatic cancer is less prominent in public discourse. A pivotal research study discovered that up to 30% of pancreatic cancer instances could be attributed to smoking. Swedish research also suggested that the use of chewing tobacco could pose similar threats as smoking in terms of pancreatic cancer risk. At present, there is no substantiated evidence linking second hand smoke to an increased risk. On a positive note, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer begins to recede once an individual ceases smoking.