What causes cancer (adenocarcinoma) of the pancreas?
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A cancerous tumour starts from one abnormal cell. The exact reason why a cell becomes cancerous is unclear. It is thought that something damages or alters certain genes in the cell. This makes the cell abnormal and multiply 'out of control'. (See separate leaflet called 'What Causes Cancer' for more details.)
Many people develop cancer of the pancreas for no apparent reason. However, certain risk factors increase the chance that pancreatic cancer may develop. These include:
- Ageing. It is more common in older people. Most cases are in people over 60.
- Genetic factors. Some families have a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer than average.
- Diet is probably a factor. Eating a fatty diet seems to increase the risk.
- Smoking.
- Chronic pancreatitis (persistent inflammation of the pancreas). Most cases of chronic pancreatitis are due to drinking a lot of alcohol. There are some other less common causes.
- Diabetes. But note: diabetes is common and the vast majority of people with diabetes do not develop cancer of the pancreas.
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