Pancreatic cancer ranks 10th in the list of commonly diagnosed cancers, with around 62,000 Americans getting it each year. Exocrine tumors and neuroendocrine tumors are both variants of pancreatic cancer. Most cases are of the former, a staggering 93%.
However, the disease does have several preventable causes. Read on to find out more.
Obesity
Obesity has been linked to pancreatic cancer, and a high BMI from youth can lead to a higher chance of developing the disease. It’s not the sole cause, but it’s recommended to maintain a healthy weight to reduce your risk.
Pancreatitis
An inflamed pancreas is called pancreatitis, and research has also found connections between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Doctors recommend that those who have had the disease undergo an esophageal ultrasound, which can detect any cancer development.
Eating Burnt Meat
Some people enjoy the taste of charred or burnt meat, but it’s also a leading cause of pancreatic cancer. Burnt meat contains carcinogens, and well-done steaks boost the chances of getting pancreatic cancer by 60%. People who prefer less well-done steaks or never eat them are therefore less at risk.
Diabetes
New-onset diabetes has been linked to pancreatic cancer, making it a good idea for patients to seek additional testing.
Smoking
The leading cause of pancreatic cancer is smoking, as research shows that smokers have double the chance of developing pancreatic cancer than non-smokers.
Live Healthy and Prevent Cancer
All of these causes are primarily avoidable, especially smoking. While obesity can sometimes be linked to genetics, constant exercise and proper dieting can significantly reduce the risks. Pancreatic cancer can be treated, but it’s important to detect it early on to get the best results possible.
