Who Is More Likely to Develop Pancreatic Cancer?

Age, sex and family history can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Although it usually occurs later in life, certain circumstances can further increase the likelihood of developing it. 

Pancreatic cancer develops in the tissues of the pancreas, which secretes digestive enzymes. Some pancreatic cells also produce insulin, a hormone essential to blood sugar control. 

Anyone can develop pancreatic cancer, but certain circumstances can increase the risk. 

At What Age Is Pancreatic Cancer More Likely?

People older than 65 are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, while it is uncommon below 40. However, people who develop it at a younger age may have better survival. 

A 2020 study found that patients aged 20–40 had nearly 3 times the five-year survival rate of those older than 40.

Is Pancreatic Cancer More Common in Men or Women?

Men have a slightly higher risk than women. According to the American Cancer Society, this may be because smoking is more common among men. 

A 2023 study compared smoking-related pancreatic cancer risk in men and women. Although women smoked less than men, the researchers observed similar pancreatic cancer risks among smokers.

Is Pancreatic Cancer Hereditary?

Pancreatic cancer is not a hereditary condition.

However, certain inherited conditions may increase its likelihood:

• Ataxia-telangiectasia
• Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome
• Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome
• Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), or Lynch syndrome
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)
• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
• Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome

A family history of pancreatic cancer can also increase the likelihood of developing it, although the reason has not yet been explained. Most people with pancreatic cancer have no family history.

Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors

In addition to inherited conditions, the following may increase the risk:

• Chronic pancreatitis: Repeated inflammation of the pancreas. A 2023 retrospective study of people hospitalized for chronic pancreatitis found that approximately 2% developed pancreatic cancer after an average of 2.4 years.
• Diabetes: People who have had diabetes for more than 5 years have a higher pancreatic cancer risk than those without diabetes. However, whether diabetes causes pancreatic cancer or cancer cells cause diabetes has not yet been explained. New-onset diabetes in people older than 50 may be a sign of pancreatic cancer.
• Infections: People with hepatitis B or  Helicobacter  pylori (H. pylori)  infections have a higher pancreatic cancer risk. However, whether these infections are linked to pancreatic cancer has not yet been established, and further research is needed to clarify the relationship. 

Other Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors

Other factors that may increase a person's likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer include:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• A diet rich in red or processed meat
• Excessive alcohol use, which may cause chronic pancreatitis
• Exposure to certain chemicals in the cleaning and metalworking industries
• Not exercising regularly – although the relationship between exercise and pancreatic cancer risk remains unclear.
• Drinking coffee – although modern research does not support this.

Can Pancreatic Cancer Risk Be Reduced?

Pancreatic cancer may not always be preventable, but certain risk factors can be reduced:

• Not smoking or quitting
• Avoiding or reducing alcohol
• Maintaining an appropriate weight range for body mass index
• Reducing or avoiding red meat and processed meats such as salami, ham and pastrami

When Should You See a Doctor?

Pancreatic cancer does not always cause symptoms. However, if the following develop and do not improve over 2 weeks or worsen, seek advice from a healthcare professional as soon as possible:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Jaundice – yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
• Extreme fatigue
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
• Back and upper abdominal pain that worsens when eating or lying down

In Summary: People More Likely to Develop Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is more likely to develop in people older than 65 and is slightly more common in men than women. 

Conditions including diabetes, chronic pancreatitis and certain inherited disorders may cause pancreatic cancer to develop. Smoking, obesity, a red-meat-heavy diet, excessive alcohol and exposure to certain chemicals also increase the risk. 

Although pancreatic cancer cannot be prevented with certainty, avoiding risk factors may help reduce the risk.