What is it? Symptoms Tests Prevention Treatment Sources

Prevention
The main risk factor for pancreatic cancer is preventable: smoking. About 30% of pancreatic cancers are thought to be a direct result of cigarette smoking. Other risks include:

• Age (most often seen in those older than 60)
  
  
• Gender (Men are 30% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer)
  
  
• Chronic pancreatitis
  
  
• Diet (a diet high in meats and fats appears to increase risk)
  
  
• Diabetes mellitus
  
  
• Exposure to some industrial chemicals, such as certain pesticides and petroleum products
  
  
• Family history (an inherited tendency may be a factor in 5% to 10% of cases)

It should be noted that most people who have known risk factors do not get pancreatic cancer, and many who do get pancreatic cancer have none of these risk factors.

On This Site

Tests: Amylase, CA 19-9, CEA, Comprehensive metabolic panel, Lipase, Sweat chloride, Trypsin, Trypsinogen, Tumor markers
Conditions: Cystic Fibrosis, Diabetes, Pancreatic Diseases

Elsewhere On The Web

Pancreas.org
National Cancer Institute: Pancreatic Cancer (PDQ®): Treatment
The National Pancreas Foundation
Pancreatia.org: Confronting Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: Pancreatic Enzymes: Your Questions Answered...
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: About Pancreatic Cancer
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)