Is pancreatic cancer hereditary?

The causes of pancreatic cancer are very complex, both endogenous and exogenous. A study published in the top journal Nature in 2010 pointed out that normal pancreatic duct epithelial cells gradually evolve into cancer. It takes 9 years from gene mutation to the formation of a true tumor cell, 8 years from a tumor cell to a cell mass with metastatic ability, and at least 2 years from the discovery of the tumor to death caused by the tumor. Therefore, adverse factors that cause cell malignancy should be avoided as much as possible to prevent the occurrence of pancreatic cancer.

1. Smoking: It is the only recognized high-risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Studies have shown that the risk ratio of death for pancreatic cancer patients who smoke is 1.6-3.1:1 compared to non-smokers. Studies have proven that carcinogens in tobacco leaves can cause cancer of the pancreatic duct epithelium.

2. Unhealthy diet: The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Cancer Research Institute have summarized the relationship between diet and pancreatic cancer. They believe that foods rich in red meat (pork, beef, lamb), high fat and high energy may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, while a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can prevent 33% to 50% of the incidence of pancreatic cancer.

3. Genetic factors: The incidence of pancreatic cancer in those with a family history is 3-13 times that of those without a family history. According to reports, if one family member is diagnosed with the disease, the risk of other family members developing pancreatic cancer is 4 times that of the general population. If two people are diagnosed with the disease, the risk rises to 12 times, and if three people are diagnosed with the disease, it is as high as 40 times. Some researchers have encountered many cases of pancreatic cancer in mother-daughter, father-son, brother-sister, and grandparent-grandchildren.

4. Chronic pancreatic lesions: Recurrent chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic duct stones or calculous pancreatitis have a tendency to become cancerous and can be considered a precancerous lesion. Attention should be paid to the treatment of the primary disease and close follow-up. The onset of the disease is also related to the body's own diseases, such as chronic pancreatic lesions and oral diseases.

5. Diabetes: Studies have found that the chance of diabetic patients developing pancreatic cancer is twice that of the normal population. The incidence of diabetes in pancreatic cancer patients is also almost twice that of the normal population. Therefore, patients without a family history of diabetes who suddenly find themselves with diabetes must be carefully examined to rule out pancreatic cancer.

6. Benign pancreatic tumors: Like other organs, the pancreas also has many benign tumors, such as serous or mucinous cystadenoma, solid pseudopapillary tumor, intraductal mucinous papilloma, etc. Some of them can also become malignant pancreatic cancer, especially mucinous papilloma and intraductal mucinous papilloma.

7. Oral diseases: Studies have shown that dental caries and other oral inflammatory lesions can also increase the incidence of pancreatic cancer.

8. Others: People with familial adenomatous polyposis, those who have undergone distal subtotal gastrectomy for benign lesions, those with biliary tract diseases, cholecystectomy, and Helicobacter pylori positivity will also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.