The pancreas is the organ responsible for releasing enzymes to help digestion and producing hormones to manage blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer is caused when mutations tell the pancreatic cells to grow uncontrollably forming pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. At this point, the disease spreads quickly and the prognosis is poor. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include abdominal pain, jaundice, loss of appetite, blood clots, fatigue, and a new diagnosis of diabetes or worsening existing diabetes.

Below is a list of risk factors that can cause pancreatic cancer:

1. Tobacco use
Almost one-third of all pancreatic cancers are connected to smoking cigarettes. Carcinogens, chemicals that cause cancer, are found in tobacco products. These chemicals also put users at risk for other conditions like chronic pancreatitis. The chances of developing pancreatic cancer is approximately twice as high among smokers in comparison to those who have not smoked. However, the possibility of pancreatic cancer decreases when a person stops smoking. Smoking also increases the risk of developing diabetes, which itself can be a cause for pancreatic cancer.

2. Obesity
Obesity and high BMI has been consistently associated with a higher risk of this cancer. Obesity is defined as having a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or more. Obese people are approximately 20% more likely to form pancreatic cancer. Duration and timing are also showing to be a factor, as obese patients have been found to be diagnosed on average 1 year earlier than those of normal weight. Gaining weight as an adult also increases risk. In fact, having extra weight around the midsection can be a risk factor even in people who are not overweight.

3. Chronic pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is persistent inflammation of the pancreas. Infections and inflammation of the pancreas have been associated with pancreatic cancer as the inflammation does not heal or improve it makes it more likely for mutations to form. Chronic pancreatitis affects 50 in 100,000 people and is most common in people between the ages of 30 and 40. This condition can be caused by heavy alcohol use, genetics, and autoimmune conditions.

4. Diabetes
It is more common for people with diabetes to also develop pancreatic cancer with up to 80% of pancreatic cancer present with type 2 diabetes. The highest risk lies in those with type 2 diabetes. Individuals who have had diabetes for over five years can be considered at a slightly higher than average risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Type 2 diabetes in adults also correlates with being overweight or obese, which is itself a substantial contributing factor for pancreatic cancer.

5. Chemical exposure
Frequent exposure to particular chemicals used in dry cleaning and metalworking may increase a person’s probability of developing pancreatic cancer. Some of these chemicals include benzene, pesticides, petrochemicals, and particular dyes. A study by the National Library of Medicine found regular exposure to pesticides, asbestos, benzene, and chlorinated hydrocarbons were associated with higher odds of pancreatic cancer. A study demonstrated that the combination of smoking, diabetes, and an unhealthy diet increases the chance of getting pancreatic cancer beyond the risk of any one of these factors alone. Pancreatic tumor treatments include chemotherapy, potentially with radiation therapy. 5-FU or gemcitabine can extend life in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer