What causes pancreatic cancer?

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on January 23, 2025
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Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the digestive system whose incidence has gradually increased in recent years. The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is still unclear, but there are several factors that can increase the incidence of pancreatic cancer: 1. Age factor: Statistical data shows that the incidence of pancreatic cancer increases with age. 2. Dietary factors: Clinical research data confirms that some poor eating habits, such as consuming too much high-fat and animal protein, can significantly increase the incidence of pancreatic cancer. 3. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: People who smoke heavily and drink alcohol over a long period have a significantly higher incidence of pancreatic cancer compared to the general population. 4. Other benign pancreatic diseases, such as diabetes: Statistical data indicates that among diabetic patients, especially those with Type 2 diabetes, there is a slight increase in the incidence of pancreatic cancer.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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How is pancreatic cancer caused?

Currently, there is no consensus in clinical practice regarding the causes of pancreatic cancer, but some studies have found that certain factors contribute to its high incidence. For example, patients with diabetes have a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer compared to those without diabetes, and having chronic pancreatitis and other diseases also leads to a higher occurrence of pancreatic cancer. Additionally, factors such as genetic mutations are also associated with the development of pancreatic cancer. Some research has found that there is a certain correlation between genetic factors and the occurrence of pancreatic cancer. Once pancreatic cancer develops, it leads to a variety of symptoms in clinical settings.

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Written by Zhou Chen
Oncology
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How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

Ultrasound, CT, MRI, ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), PTCD (Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangio Drainage), angiography, laparoscopy, tumor markers measurement, cancer gene analysis, etc., are significantly helpful in confirming the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and determining whether it is resectable surgically. Generally, ultrasound, CA199, and CEA can be used as screening tests. Once pancreatic cancer is suspected, a CT scan is necessary. If the patient has jaundice, especially severe, and a CT scan cannot confirm the diagnosis, ERCP and PTCD can be considered. If internal drainage is successful, surgery can be delayed for one to two weeks for patients with severe jaundice. The diagnostic value of MRI for pancreatic cancer is not superior to CT. If pancreatic cancer has been confirmed but it is uncertain whether it can be surgically removed, choosing angiography and laparoscopy is also clinically meaningful.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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What are the signs of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a type of malignant tumor of the digestive tract that is difficult to detect in its early stages. The signs of pancreatic cancer mainly include the following: First, among people with diabetes, if there is a sudden occurrence of uncontrollable blood sugar levels, unexplained general fatigue, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, or even jaundice, one should highly suspect the possibility of pancreatic cancer. Second, individuals with a family history of cancer who recently experience unexplained symptoms related to the digestive tract should also be alert to the possibility of pancreatic cancer. Third, some patients may experience unexplained rapid weight loss accompanied by significant jaundice, which should also be considered as potentially indicating pancreatic cancer.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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What are some symptoms of early pancreatic cancer?

Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer generally do not exhibit many symptoms, as the tumors are relatively small. Clinically, many patients may experience intermittent mild abdominal pain that does not affect their daily lives. A small number of early-stage patients may exhibit symptoms of general fatigue, mild loss of appetite, nausea, mild acid reflux, or other symptoms of indigestion. Additionally, a few patients in the early stages may experience intermittent episodes of diarrhea. Because these symptoms are not distinctive, patients rarely seek medical attention early. When symptoms like significant epigastric pain and jaundice become apparent, it often indicates that the pancreatic cancer has progressed to a more advanced stage.

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Written by Zhou Chen
Oncology
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Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that arises from the pancreas.

The causes of pancreatic cancer are not yet entirely clear, but its occurrence is associated with smoking, drinking alcohol, high-fat and high-protein diets, excessive consumption of coffee, environmental pollution, and genetic factors. Recent surveys have found that the incidence of pancreatic cancer is significantly higher among diabetics than in the general population. There is also evidence suggesting a certain relationship between chronic pancreatitis and the development of pancreatic cancer, with a notably increased risk of pancreatic cancer among patients with chronic pancreatitis. Additionally, many other factors such as occupation, environment, and geography are somewhat related to the occurrence of this disease. Pancreatic cancer is not a cancer that comes from anger or emotional causes.