Who is at high risk for pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer begins in the exocrine cells, which are responsible for producing enzymes secreted into the intestine to help digest proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Pancreatic cancer is uncommon, early symptoms are not specific, so most patients with this cancer are diagnosed at a late stage.

The cause of pancreatic cancer is not known for sure but there are risk factors such as age, sex, race, genetic factors, smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and even diabetes. gums. According to the American Gastroenterology Association, the following people have a high risk of pancreatic cancer.

Elder: Pancreatic cancer risk increases with age, although some people are still diagnosed with the cancer at a young age. Follow Very Well Health (USA), about 90% of people with pancreatic cancer are over 55 years old, the average age is 71.

Sex: Pancreatic cancer is more common in men than in women, but the gap is narrowing.

DiabetesLong-term diabetes is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Diabetes often occurs before it is diagnosed or occurs when a person has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Inflammation of the teeth and gums: Early gum disease and advanced periodontitis are both recognized risk factors for this cancer. The reason is that certain bacteria living in the mouth produce an enzyme that causes mutations in the p53 gene, which leads to pancreatic cancer.

In a study published in the Annals of Oncology (USA) showed that people with periodontitis had a 75% higher risk of pancreatic cancer than normal, people who lost all their teeth, had problems with their teeth. There is an increased risk of pancreatic cancer by about 54%.

Chronic pancreatitis: People with a history of chronic pancreatitis also have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, and the risk is higher if these people smoke.

Helicobacter pylori infection: Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) bacteria is a common cause of stomach cancer, peptic ulcer disease, and pancreatic cancer. Hepatitis C infection, gallstones, gallbladder surgery, and cirrhosis are also associated with a higher risk of the disease.

In addition, people with blood types A, B and AB are also classified as having a higher risk of disease than people with blood type O. People who are regularly exposed to toxic chemicals such as chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons ( PAHs), dry cleaners, and laboratory workers are also at risk.

According to the sheet Very Well HealthIn terms of lifestyle, people who have a habit of smoking are 2-3 times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. Heavy alcohol users (3 or more drinks per day), obese, overweight people have a high risk of pancreatic cancer. People with a high-fat diet, as well as a diet high in red meat, processed meat, and sedentary lifestyle… are 24% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than people with an average body. exercise, eat a lot of green vegetables.

Mr. Chi (Follow VeryWellHealth)