Imbalanced diet and weight (overweight, obesity): A diet too high in saturated fats and animal protein, and too low in fiber, promotes excess weight and pancreatic cancer. This risk is further increased if a sedentary lifestyle is added to these factors;
Alcoholism: Heavy and regular alcohol consumption increases the risk of chronic pancreatitis (chronic inflammation of the pancreas);
Certain pathologies: Type 2 diabetes, according to the ARC, doubles the risk of pancreatic cancer. Cystic fibrosis also increases this risk;
Genetic factors: According to the Cancer Research Foundation, genetic factors are involved in 5% of pancreatic cancer cases. However, researchers have great difficulty identifying the genes involved;
Environmental factors: The French National Society of Gastroenterology mentions the increased risk of pancreatic cancer due to exposure to pesticides (in the case of farmers, winegrowers, etc.) and heavy metals (cadmium).
Pancreatic Cancer: When to Seek Medical Care?
Since pancreatic cancer is asymptomatic in the early stages, by the time the first symptoms appear, the disease is generally already at an advanced stage. Therefore, it is important not to waste any more time and to consult your doctor immediately in the event of abnormal weight loss and loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or jaundice. This is a medical emergency. The biotechnology company ACOBIOM states that the average life expectancy after detection of pancreatic cancer is only 5 to 6 months, with a very low 5-year survival rate (5%).
Examinations and Diagnosis: How to Detect Pancreatic Cancer?
If, during the clinical examination and discussion with the patient, the doctor suspects that he or she is dealing with cancer
