In order to deal properly with pancreatic cancer we need to understand and — if possible — remove the underlying causes and risk factors. We need to ask: "What else is going on inside the body that might allow pancreatic cancer to develop?"
Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind pancreatic cancer consists of three steps:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Cigarette Smoke Damage | 99% | Confirm |
Diabetes II | 56% | Possible |
Have you suffered from Pancreatic Cancer?
Possible responses:
→ No / don't know→ Yes but now resolved for over 5 years → Yes but now resolved for under 5 years → Current problem but containable → Current problem and aggressive/spreading |
Cigarette smoke contains a large number of carcinogens and therefore it should come as no surprise that cigarette smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer. For example, smoking during college has been associated with a 2 to 3-fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Approximately 30% of all deaths from pancreatic cancer are attributable to cigarette smoking. Historically, males have had a much higher incidence of cancer of the pancreas. However, this difference is steadily decreasing as women smoke earlier and more heavily. There is approximately a 2-fold increase in the risk of developing pancreatic cancer with smoking and this risk is dose-dependent.
There have been a number of reports that have suggested diabetics have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The reasons for this are not clear.