What causes pancreatic cancer?

The occurrence of pancreatic cancer may be closely related to genetic factors, environmental factors such as smoking and drinking, physiological factors such as obesity, diabetes, and related diseases such as chronic pancreatitis and malignant transformation of pancreatic cystadenoma. Understanding these causes can help us improve our awareness of prevention, seek medical treatment in time, and take intervention measures.

1. Genetic factors:

The occurrence of pancreatic cancer is related to heredity. If there are many family members with pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer or colorectal cancer, the risk of pancreatic cancer may be higher. This may be related to genetic gene mutations such as BRCA2 gene and PRSS1 gene. For high-risk groups, regular pancreatic imaging screening such as magnetic resonance imaging and genetic testing can be performed to detect precancerous lesions or early pancreatic cancer as early as possible.

2 Environmental factors:

Long-term smoking is the most significant external cause of pancreatic cancer. Smokers have a 2 to 3 times higher risk of developing the disease than non-smokers. Regular drinking can put a metabolic burden on the pancreas, causing chronic pancreatitis, which may in turn induce cancer. Reducing or quitting smoking and drinking can significantly reduce the risk. Food processing methods with high carcinogenic risks, such as frying, pickling, and high-fat, high-calorie diets, may also affect pancreatic health.

3 Physiological factors:

The incidence of pancreatic cancer in obese people is significantly increased, which is mainly related to insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. Middle-aged and elderly people, especially those with new type 2 diabetes, should be vigilant about pancreatic cancer. Metabolic syndrome and hyperinsulinemia are also potential risk factors. Moderate exercise, weight control, and maintaining a stable blood sugar level are good lifestyle strategies for preventing pancreatic-related diseases.

4 Related diseases:

The risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with chronic pancreatitis is 20 times that of the general population. Repeated chronic inflammation may lead to pathological abnormalities in pancreatic cells. In addition, some benign pancreatic lesions such as pancreatic cystadenoma may gradually deteriorate into malignant tumors, requiring regular ultrasound or CT examinations.

Pancreatic cancer is a disease that progresses rapidly and has no obvious early symptoms, but prevention and early screening are crucial. If you have a family history of the disease or the above high-risk factors, you should consult a professional doctor in time, undergo regular screening, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the possibility of getting sick from the root.