Risk factors of pancreatic cancer

Usually, pancreatic cancer does not show significant symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage.  The symptoms include abdominal pain and bone pain, jaundice, loss of appetite, weight loss, etc.  This is why pancreatic cancer is dangerous and difficult to treat.

However, I believe there are subtle signs that may indicate early stage of pancreatic cancer.  Symptoms such as chronic subtle lower abdominal pain and lower back pain can be indication that pancreas may have certain tumor on pancreas.  If that is the case, ask your doctor to conduct a thorough examine by CT scan or MRI to be sure.

Risk factors of pancreatic cancer are shown below:

1.      High sugar consumption

As we have mentioned several times in previous sections, high blood levels of sugar are not healthful and related to several diseases including pancreatic cancer.  Not only it’s a good idea to reduce the consumption of sugar, other carbohydrates (rice, bread, etc.), if taken too much, could become risk factors of pancreatic cancer.

2.      Diet with high fat content

Eating too much fatty foods could contribute to metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance and abdominal fat; the metabolic syndrome is a risk factor of pancreatic cancer.

3.      Smoking

Smoking is not only a significant risk factor of lung cancer, it is also a risk factor of a few other diseases including pancreatic cancer.

4.      Vitamin D deficiency

People who live in sunny climates (i.e., under more sunlight exposure) tend to have a lower risk of pancreatic cancer, although they tend to have a higher risk of skin cancer.  This is because sunlight helps produce vitamin D in the skin and lack of vitamin D is a risk factor of pancreatic cancer.

The following actions may help reduce the chances of getting pancreatic cancer:

§  Avoid or reduce all the risk factors of pancreatic cancer as much as possible. 

§  Switch to a diet high in vegetables.

§  Maintain sufficient vitamin D by taking the vitamin supplement.

© Jiajiu Shaw, 2015

Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book I am writing, "IS CANCER IN US", to be published in about two months.