The two functions of enzymes and hormones produced by the pancreas are only possible with the help of two types of cells, namely exocrine cells (which produce digestive enzymes) and endocrine (producing hormone) cells. Cancer can develop in any of these cell types, but approximately 95% of pancreatic cancers are formed in exocrine cells. The risk factors, symptoms and treatment of each type of pancreatic tumor may be different because the affected cells behave differently.

Here are the main risk factors for pancreatic cancer:

Age

Nearly 90% of cases of pancreatic cancer occur in people over 55 years of age;

Gender

For unknown reasons, men are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than women;

obesity:

Diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis or Helicobacter pylori infection (Pylori);

Smoking

Nearly one-third of cases of pancreatic cancer is associated with smoking. Tobacco carcinogenic compounds can damage the pancreas and may increase the risk of other conditions, such as long-term inflammation of the pancreas (chronic pancreatitis). Also, the risk of diabetes and obesity may be higher if an individual smokes.

Genetic factors

Approximately 10% of pancreatic cancers are associated with certain genetic factors, which means that an inherited genetic mutation is transmitted to children from their parents. Although these genetic disorders do not directly cause pancreatic cancer, they may increase the risk of developing the disease. The following genetic mutations are considered risk factors for pancreatic cancer: mutations in the BRCA2 gene (breast or ovarian cancer), p16 gene mutations, PRSS1 gene mutations, NF1 gene mutations (type 1 neurofibromatosis).

Other inherited syndromes that may be associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer, such as Lynch Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL), MEN1 (type 1 multiple endocrine neoplasia – a rare genetic disorder that may be a risk factor for malignant tumor cells of the islet.