Common causes of pancreatic cancer are smoking; being elderly, over 80% of cases develop between ages 60 to 80 and the likelihood increases with age; being male, the male-to-female ratio is 1.3:1 mostly because men are more likely to smoke than women; diabetes; 1% of patients diagnosed with diabetes after the age of 50 will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer within 3 years; chronic pancreatis due to the inflammation of the pancreas due to alcoholism or gallstones and family history of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is caused by genetic changes (mutations) in DNA. One can either diagnose pancreatic cancer or acquire it later in life. When pancreatic cancer is acquired it is either because of faulty cell replication or exposure to carcinogens such as cigarette smoke. The reason why fatal cell replications occur is currently being investigated in labs.
There are many hereditary cancer genes that pinpoint the causes of pancreatic cancer. One of them is the familial breast cancer gene BRCA2. Researchers have found that 10% of pancreatic cancers are caused by defects in BRCA2 such as the mutation 6174 del T. Peurtz-Jehers syndrome is a very rare hereditary syndrome where those will the illness develop polypops in their small intestines that protrude from the normal surface of their small intestines. Peurtz-Jehers patients are more likely to have pancreatic cancer than the general population. Other genetic disorders that increase the risk of pancreatic cancer are atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome, colon cancer, and pancreatitis.
Another risk factor of pancreatic cancer is peptic ulcer surgery where a surgery to remove a portion of one’s stomach is performed (partial gastrectomy). Diets high in meats, cholesterol filled fried food, sugar, and nitrosamines may increase the risk of the disease. Nitrosamines are chemicals from cigarette smoke and are also found in some foods and drinks as well. Being very sedentary, overweight or both is a risk factor because inactivity and being overweight creates more insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is made from the pancreas.
A possible cause of pancreatic cancer is industrial chemicals called chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents. They are found in many products such as paints, glue, and dry cleaning solutions. Unless one is in an occupation or environment where one is frequently exposed to such chemicals, it is highly unlikely one will be exposed to the point one becomes ill. Other chemicals that have been linked to pancreatic cancer according to some studies are pesticides, radiation, nickel, chromium, and iron. However there are studies that contradict this evidence. If there is a risk, it is very slight.
Causes of pancreatic cancer are either attributed to genetics, age, an unhealthy lifestyle, or exposure to a toxic environment.
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