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What causes pancreatic
cancer?
The exact causes of pancreatic cancer are
still undetermined, but these are some known risk factors.
 Pancreatic
cancer can strike at any age, but it occurs most often in people
over 50 years old.
 DON'T
SMOKE!!! Smokers have a 2 to 10 times greater risk
of developing pancreatic cancer than non-smokers.
A
diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber and low in fat (as
recommended by the National Cancer Institute) may reduce your
risk.
There
may be a possible link between pancreatic cancer and obesity;
clarification of this potential link is underway.
A
family history of pancreatic cancer, melanoma, or colon cancer
can indicate an increased risk.
Some
rare hereditary syndromes increase the risk of pancreatic cancer
including:
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, Type I (islet cell
tumors)
- Hereditary Pancreatitis
- Lynch Syndrome II
- von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (islet cell tumors)
Certain
chemicals used in manufacturing may be associated with an increased
risk of pancreatic cancer. These include 2-naphthylamine, benzidine,
and derivatives of gasoline. Prolonged exposure to DDT and related
chemicals may be associated with the development of pancreatic
cancer in humans.
What are the symptoms of pancreatic
cancer?
Most symptoms of pancreatic cancer are non-specific and can be
caused by several different problems. It is important to see your
doctor if any of these symptoms occur and do not resolve with simple
management.
Jaundice
Jaundice causes yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, and light stool.
Jaundice occurs when a substance called bilirubin builds up in
the blood. Bilirubin is made in the liver. From there, it travels
down the bile duct and passes through the pancreas just before
emptying into the duodenum, a section of the small intestine.
See your doctor immediately if jaundice occurs.
Figure 1. Normal upper abdominal anatomy
If the bile duct becomes blocked (by a tumor, for example), bilirubin
builds up in the blood. This build-up causes a person to become
noticeably yellow, or jaundiced.
Pain
Pain in the back and upper abdomen occurs when a pancreatic tumor
presses against the nerves in those areas. Typical pancreatic
pain sometimes starts in the abdomen and radiates to the back
or shoulder.
Indigestion (especially with fatty
foods), lack of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, and/or weight loss
These symptoms can occur when a pancreatic tumor presses against
the stomach and small intestine. Problems with digestion may also
occur for complex reasons not specifically related to the location
of the tumor.
Sudden onset of diabetes, or for diabetics,
a sudden change in blood sugar control.
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