Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors
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The majority of pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed after age 55, though some individuals are diagnosed much younger. Some potential risk factors of pancreatic cancer include the following:
- A family history of pancreatic, colon, or ovarian cancer
- A family or personal history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, often caused by hepatitis or alcohol use
- Being African American
- Exposure to certain toxic chemicals in the work environment, such as pesticides
- Being male
- Having a bacteria called H. pylori in the stomach
- A history of tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Being overweight
NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors does not mean that you won't get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.
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