Pancreatic Cancer Health Article

Definition

The pancreas is a gland found in the abdomen behind the stomach. The pancreas secretes a fluid that breaks down fats and proteins, and releases hormones, such as insulin, to control blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer is uncontrolled growth of cells of the pancreas. A higher than average number of pancreatic cancer cases occurring in the same family is known as familial pancreatic cancer.

Description

Most pancreatic cancer grows from cells from the exocrine pancreas, the secreting portion of the pancreas. The most common appearance of pancreatic cancer cells is gland-like, which is termed adenocarcinoma.

In most cases, it is difficult to determine the cause of pancreatic cancer. Both environmental as well as genetic risk factors have been suggested for pancreatic cancer. A high-fat diet has been linked to increased pancreatic cancer risk, whereas diets high in vegetables and fruits seem to lower the risk. Smoking is known to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer; it is estimated that as many as 30% of pancreatic cancer cases are linked to smoking. Alcohol use and coffee consumption have been linked with increased pancreatic cancer risk, in some studies, but this connection has not been proven. Previous stomach surgery also may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Aflatoxin, a common fungal contaminant of certain foods, such as rice, corn, and peanuts, is a known cause of liver cancer, and has been postulated to also pose a risk for pancreatic cancer. However, no link has been found.

Certain occupations, such as farming or manufacturing, may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Multiple studies have shown that exposure to pesticides increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. The relationship of diabetes to pancreatic cancer has been closely studied. It is uncertain whether diabetes is the cause or the symptom of pancreatic cancer. Presence of diabetes, however, may alert health care providers to the presence of pancreatic cancer. Long-term inflammation of the pancreas, chronic pancreatitis, may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer as well. Genetic risk factors have also been reported.