Seldom detected in its early stages, pancreatic cancer is often called a “silent disease” because signs and symptoms may not occur until the cancer is very advanced. The majority of pancreatic cancer patients die within a year of diagnosis.
Onset
Most pancreatic cancers begin in the cells lining the ducts of the pancreas. A rare form of pancreatic cancer, islet cell cancer, may begin in the cells that make insulin and other hormones. When pancreatic cancer spreads, it can be found in the lymph nodes, liver, lungs or the tissue lining the abdomen.
Causes and Risk Factors
The specific cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown, but there are risk factors that have been identified, including:
70s or 80s.
• Smoking—Cigarette smokers are two to three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.
• Diabetes—Pancreatic cancer occurs more often in those who have diabetes.
• Race—African-Americans are more likely to get this type of cancer.
• Health—Being overweight or obese increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.
