Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably due to damage or mutations in their DNA. Multiple factors can contribute to this, including lifestyle, genetic, and environmental influences.

Causes and Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cancer

• Smoking: Tobacco use is a major risk factor, doubling the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer. About 25% of cases are linked to cigarette smoking, including cigars and smokeless tobacco.
• Obesity and Excess Weight: People who are obese (BMI of 30 or higher) have about a 20% higher risk. Carrying extra weight around the waist also increases risk.
• Diabetes: Especially type 2 diabetes is more common in people who develop pancreatic cancer.
• Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas, often related to heavy alcohol use and smoking, increases the risk.
• Age: The risk increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over 60 to 80 years old.
• Inherited Genetic Mutations: Some people inherit mutations in genes associated with cancer, which can increase susceptibility when combined with other DNA damage.
• Workplace Exposure: Contact with certain chemicals used in dry cleaning and metalworking may raise risk.

The development of pancreatic cancer involves DNA damage that can happen due to inherited mutations, environmental exposures like smoking, or just by chance. Having risk factors increases the chance but does not guarantee cancer will develop.

In summary, pancreatic cancer is caused by genetic mutations in pancreatic cells, with smoking, obesity, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, age, and genetics being important contributors to how you get it.