With pancreatic cancer, it is hard to point out the causes of the disease. Knowing the risk factors for pancreatic cancer is important because the symptoms are hard to detect in the early stages. From weight loss to a drop in appetite, there are various minor warning signs you should not ignore and consult a doctor immediately. Here are the top risk factors for pancreatic cancer.

1. General risk factors
There are some general factors that might increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. These are factors that you can do nothing about but knowing about them would always be beneficial. People over 45-55 years of age are at the highest risk. It is also known to be more common in women than in men. People with recurrent pancreatitis should also look out for cancer symptoms. Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals and radiation in the workplace is another factor that you can avoid.

2. Obesity
Obesity is a major risk factor that can be averted by working on the weight. Maintaining a healthy weight can help in bringing down the cancer risk drastically. Even if it doesn’t influence the risks, people who are obese are also known to have a lower survival rate in case they develop this cancer. Switching to healthy food choices can be helpful for high-risk patients.

3. Tobacco
Smoking and drinking are unhealthy lifestyle choices that are associated with several types of cancer. Tobacco in all forms is a threat to your body and should be avoided. Among all the patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, several of them are known to have one or more of these unhealthy habits. It is not just about smoking cigarettes but also about consuming tobacco in other forms.

4. Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes patients are in the high-risk group for pancreatic cancer. This type of diabetes is common in people who are overweight. Untreated diabetes could also be a major risk factor. Effective treatment should be given to diabetes patients on time. Working on the symptoms and keeping diabetes under control can be helpful in bringing down the risk of cancer.

5. Hereditary aspects
Having a family history of pancreatic cancer can also be a major risk factor. As this cancer can be triggered by genetic changes, carrying a faulty gene can be a factor that can raise the risk. Familial pancreatic cancer is often common when there are more than three members in the family who are diagnosed with this type of cancer.

Identifying the risk factors for pancreatic cancer makes it easier for a person to get timely medical assistance. With healthcare advancements, there are several choices available for increasing the survival rate and improving the overall health of cancer patients.