Pancreatic cancer is caused primarily by DNA mutations that can occur due to inherited genetic changes, behaviors such as smoking, or by random chance. Key causes and risk factors include cigarette smoking (accounting for about 20-25% of cases), obesity, diabetes (especially type 2), chronic pancreatitis (long- term inflammation of the pancreas), workplace exposure to certain chemicals, and inherited genetic syndromes involving mutations in specific cancer- associated genes. Age is also a significant risk factor, with most cases occurring between 60 and 80 years old. Smoking doubles the risk and increases early onset, but quitting smoking reduces risk over time. Obesity and diabetes increase risk possibly due to hormonal and inflammatory changes. Chronic pancreatitis creates conditions favorable for cancer development. Inherited genetic mutations related to syndromes like hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (BRCA1/2), Lynch syndrome, and hereditary pancreatitis contribute to familial risk. The interaction of these environmental and genetic factors leads to the development of pancreatic cancer.