Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. While there is no sure way to prevent pancreatic cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the disease.
Age: The risk of pancreatic cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over the age of 60.
Family History: Having a family history of pancreatic cancer increases your risk of developing the disease.
Smoking: Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for pancreatic cancer, and people who smoke are more than twice as likely to develop the disease than those who don't smoke.
Weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of pancreatic cancer.
Gender: Men are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than women.
Diet: Eating a diet high in red and processed meats, and low in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, increases your risk of pancreatic cancer.
Exposure to Chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as certain pesticides and dyes, may increase your risk of pancreatic cancer.
Diabetes: Having diabetes increases your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
While it is impossible to completely eliminate your risk of pancreatic cancer, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and low in red and processed meats, can help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for reducing your risk of pancreatic cancer.
Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Limiting your alcohol consumption can help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.
Limit Exposure to Chemicals: Limiting your exposure to certain chemicals, such as certain pesticides and dyes, can help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.