Pancreatic cancer is primarily caused by harmful mutations in the DNA of pancreatic cells leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. The exact causes are often unclear, but key risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer include:
- Smoking: Cigarette smoking is a major preventable cause and doubles the risk. It accounts for about 20-25% of pancreatic cancer cases. Risk decreases significantly after quitting smoking for 10-20 years.
- Age: Pancreatic cancer is more common in older adults, especially those over 65 years.
- Chronic pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas increases risk.
- Family history and inherited genetic mutations: Genetic syndromes involving mutations in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, CDKN2A, and others increase susceptibility.
- Obesity and excess abdominal fat: Being overweight or obese raises pancreatic cancer risk, possibly due to increased insulin production.
- Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, is associated with higher risk though the reasons are not fully understood.
- Exposure to harmful substances: Environmental exposures to chemicals like benzene, cadmium, radiation, and certain pesticides may contribute.
- Diet: Diets high in red or processed meats may increase risk, while diets rich in fruits and vegetables may lower it.
- Heavy alcohol use can contribute indirectly by causing chronic pancreatitis.
In summary, pancreatic cancer arises due to a combination of genetic mutations and environmental or lifestyle risk factors, with smoking, age, genetic predisposition, and chronic pancreatitis among the principal causes.
