Preventing Pancreatic Cancer
As the weather starts to shift, ChiRhoClin, Inc. is gearing up for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November. While research continues to advance doctors’ knowledge on combatting pancreatic cancers, we would like to share with you the most important information we’ve learned. Over the next couple of months, we will be highlighting some key information about the disease. This month, we’ve compiled some helpful pointers on the different types of risk factors and how to reduce your chances of developing the disease.
But before we begin, though, a note; according to the Mayo Clinic, the worst combination of risk factors is tobacco use, diabetes, and a poor diet.4 Combinations of any of the risk factors listed below will increase your risk of developing pancreatic cancer more than experiencing one single factor alone.4
Controllable Risk Factors
Tobacco Use: This is “one of the most important risk factors for pancreatic cancer,” according to the American Cancer Society.1 Tobacco users are twice as likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer than non-users, with about ¼ of pancreatic cancers thought to be caused by tobacco smoking.1
Alcoholism: Excessive alcohol consumption puts strain on your pancreas and can trigger chronic pancreatitis.2 This burden increases your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.2
Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetic patients can have higher pancreatic cancer rates compared to their non-diabetic counterparts.1 Doctors are still unsure if Type 1 diabetes is a risk factor.1
Obesity: It is important to note obesity is only sometimes caused by controllable factors. Examples of uncontrollable factors include certain diseases, especially those that cause hormone dysfunction. Despite the cause, people with a Body Mass Index of 30 or more are about 20% more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.1
Industrial Chemical Exposure: Certain chemicals called carcinogens are known to cause cancers. Different carcinogens can cause different cancers. For pancreatic cancer, the most concerning industries with chemical exposures are dry-cleaning and metalworking.2
Uncontrollable Risk Factors
Family History of Pancreatic Cancer: Pancreatic cancer has higher rates among certain families, though most patients do not have a family history of such.1, 2
Genetic Changes: Genetic mutations may contribute to up to 10% of pancreatic cancer diagnoses.1 Some examples of genes that can contribute to pancreatic cancer when mutated are: BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, ATM, p16/CDKN2A, PRSS1, MLH1, MSH2, STK11.1
Age: As with all cancers, the risk of pancreatic cancer forming increases as we age. In the case of pancreatic cancer, most patients are at least 65 years old with almost no patients under 45.1
Risk Factor Mitigation and Reduction
Tobacco Use: Quitting tobacco use is the best option to reduce risk, not only for pancreatic cancer, but for a wide variety of diseases throughout the body.3 If you decide you would like help quitting, there are options for support such as therapy, addiction support groups, medications, and nicotine replacements.5
Industrial Chemical Exposure: Whether working in the industries listed above or in any other industry that exposes you to chemicals, it is important to properly use all of the appropriate PPE advised. Ensure you wash your hands before eating or touching your face.
Genetic Risks: Genetic testing is used on patients with abnormally high risk factors. Testing for DNA markers may lead to early or even precancerous detection of pancreatic cancers. ChiRhoClin will highlight some new and recent studies on DNA markers in the November issue of our newsletter. If you would like to participate in a pancreatic cancer DNA marker study, you can ask your doctor if there are clinical trials you can take part of or go to https://clinicaltrials.gov to access a database of enlisting clinical trials for a variety of conditions.
Obesity: As always, weight loss is easier said than done. In cases where obesity is caused by uncontrollable factors, it is important to routinely visit your doctor to maintain proper treatment of your condition(s). Reaching out to resources such as nutritionists, diet support groups, and exercise coaches can greatly improve your odds of reaching and maintaining your goal weight. Medications are also available to assist in weight loss, whether caused by controllable or uncontrollable factors.
Type 2 Diabetes: Appropriate steps need to be taken to mitigate and control your diabetes. Do not stop your diabetic treatment even when you are feeling well. Always consult your doctor before changing treatment routines or if your current routine is not giving you the results you expect.
Alcohol Consumption: Whether you consider your use “out of control” or it’s just more than a doctor recommends, cutting back on alcohol consumption can reduce the burden put on your pancreas by the toxin. If you decide you would like help achieving your goal to cut back, there are free resources like Alcoholics Anonymous and other alcohol support groups to help you through the transition to a healthier you. For services that would otherwise be costly out-of-pocket, under the Affordable Care Act, long-term insurance plans are required by law to cover treatments for mental health and substance use disorders.
Stress Reduction: Though stress is not listed as a contributing factor to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, proper stress management can reduce the severity of other listed risk factors. Those with reduced stress and appropriate coping strategies have been shown to have lower rates of certain illnesses including obesity and substance use disorders. On the other hand, obesity and substance use disorder mitigation can themselves reduce a person’s stress. Exercise, meditation, time management training, different types of therapies, and even certain medications can help you reduce your stress.
References
1American Cancer Society. (2024, February 5). Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors. Retrieved September 6, 2024, from Cancer.org: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pancreatic-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
2Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors. Retrieved from Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pancreatic-cancer/pancreatic-cancer-risk-factors#:~:text=Risk%20factors%20that%20have%20been,(inflammation%20of%20the%20pancreas).
3Maryland Department of Health. (2023, December 29). Retrieved from https://x.com/MDHealthDept/status/1740719323180638427
4Mayo Clinic. (2021, November 22). 5 things to know about pancreatic cancer. Retrieved from cancerblog.mayoclinic.org: https://cancerblog.mayoclinic.org/2021/11/22/5-things-to-know-about-pancreatic-cancer/
5Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024, May 4). Pancreatic Cancer. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20355421