Doctors don’t know what causes pancreatic cancer, but some things can increase your risk of developing it (risk factors). These include:
About 9,600 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year.
We do not know what causes pancreatic cancer. But things called risk factors can increase the chance of a person developing it. Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely get pancreatic cancer. And if you do not have any risk factors, you may still develop cancer of the pancreas.
About 3 in 10 pancreatic cancers in the UK (30%) may be due to smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. People who chew tobacco or use other smokeless tobacco products (such as snuff) also have an increased risk. Stopping smoking will help reduce the risk.
Eating lots of red or processed meat may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Processed meats include ham, sausages, bacon and burgers.
Having a diet high in fat and sugar, but low in fresh fruit and vegetables, can also increase the risk.
In these videos, learn more about the link between healthy eating and cancer, and ways to maintain the best possible diet during treatment.
In these videos, learn more about the link between healthy eating and cancer, and ways to maintain the best possible diet during treatment.
Most people with pancreatic cancer have no history of pancreatic cancer in their family. But about 1 in 10 pancreatic cancers (10%) may be linked to faulty genes that run in families. You may be at higher risk if you have any of these factors:
If your family history includes any of the above, you can be referred to a specialist clinic. They can give you advice and assess you. They may offer you regular screening tests to try to find the cancer early if it develops. Doctors are still researching the best way to screen for pancreatic cancer. You may be offered screening as part of a cancer research trial.
Some other conditions can increase your risk of pancreatic cancer.
People who have a condition called chronic pancreatitis are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. Chronic pancreatitis means the pancreas is inflamed, tender and swollen over a long period of time. The risk is higher with chronic pancreatitis because of a rare inherited condition called hereditary pancreatitis. Inherited conditions are passed down through family members.
Diabetes is linked to cancer of the pancreas. But it is not clear whether diabetes causes the cancer, or whether it is an early symptom. Diabetes is common and most people with diabetes will not develop pancreatic cancer.
Some infections have been linked to a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. But the evidence supporting these links is weak. Many people have these infections and do not develop pancreatic cancer.
Studies have shown there may be a link between pancreatic cancer and an infection of the liver, called hepatitis B. Other research suggests there may be a link to tooth or gum disease. Researchers think a type of bacteria causes this.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common stomach infection that causes the stomach lining to become inflamed. There may be a link between H. pylori and a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, particularly in men. But the risk of stomach cancer is higher than the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Like all cancers, pancreatic cancer is not infectious. You cannot pass it on to other people.
To make a diagnosis, doctors often use information from several tests, along with your symptoms and medical history.
Order or download our free booklet about pancreatic cancer. It covers causes and symptoms, diagnosis, staging and grading, treatments and clinical trials.
Waiting to hear the results of tests can be a worrying time. You can talk to us about how you are feeling.
What's happening near you? Find out about support groups, where to get information and how to get involved with Macmillan where you are.
Worrying about cancer can have a big impact on your feelings. Read our advice to help you cope with your emotions.
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Affected by pancreatic cancer? Join this group to share experiences and ask questions to people who understand what you're going through.
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