Let’s Talk About Pancreatic Cancer

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Here’s what you need to know.

It is estimated that approximately 64,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States in 2023, or about 175 people a day.

What are the risk factors for pancreatic cancer? Risk factors include diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, smoking, African American race, age (almost all patients are over the age of 45 and two thirds are 65 years of age or older), male gender, obesity, inherited genetic mutations, and a family history of pancreatic cancer.

What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer? Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include pain (typically in the abdomen or back), unintended weight loss, and jaundice. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your health care provider.

What can I do to prevent pancreatic cancer? There are currently no ways to prevent pancreatic cancer but there are things you can do to lower your risk.

What can I do to reduce my risk of Pancreatic cancer? While you cannot do anything about some of the risk factors, inherited genetic mutations/age/race/ethnicity/gender, you may be able to lower your risk by not smoking or quitting smoking if you do smoke, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding or limiting alcohol use.

For more information: More information can be found at the American Cancer Society, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and by talking with your health care provider.