Who is most at risk?
Anyone can develop pancreatic cancer, but certain factors increase susceptibility:
- Age: Most cases occur after age 60.
- Smoking: doubles the risk (about 25% of cases are related to smoking)
- Family history: Having a close relative with pancreatic cancer significantly increases your risk.
- Late-onset type 2 diabetes: Develops after age 50 without any identifiable cause.
- Obesity and lack of exercise: they promote chronic inflammation
- Chronic pancreatitis, particularly alcohol-related
The conclusion
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect and has devastating consequences if diagnosed late. Education is the first line of defense. If you or a loved one experience persistent abdominal or back pain or unexplained weight loss , consult a doctor immediately.
It's better to raise false alarms than to discover this disease too late. Recognizing the early signs can save precious time and lives.
