Pancreatic Cancer is one of the deadliest common forms of cancer. Anyone can get pancreatic cancer. It affects women and men equally, across all races and ethnicities around the globe. African Americans and people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have elevated risk for developing the disease.
Pancreatic cancer is a disease caused by damage or mutations to the DNA. It’s not clear what causes pancreatic cancer. However, research has identified some risk factors that may lead to these mutations and the development of pancreatic cancer.
These risk factors are known to increase your chances of developing pancreatic cancer:
- Age
- Pancreatitis
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Family History
Understanding Your Pancreas
Why is the pancreas a vital organ? The pancreas is a gland that is part of the digestive system. It produces insulin and other important enzymes and hormones that help break down foods into smaller molecules that can be absorbed in the intestines.
It plays an important role in healthy digestion and is vital for the absorption of vitamins and nutrients which support the liver, kidneys, nervous system and cardiovascular system.
Unfortunately, the pancreas is difficult to reach and its complexities make it susceptible to various disorders including pancreatic cancer. Here are some ways to keep your pancreas healthy:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a low-fat diet
- Watch your alcohol intake
- Avoid smoking
Inherited Gene Mutations
Is pancreatic cancer hereditary? An individual is more at risk for pancreatic cancer if they meet one or more of the following conditions:
- At least two first-degree relatives (Parent, sibling, or child) have had pancreatic cancer.
- There are three or more relatives with pancreatic cancer on the same side of the family.
- There’s a known family cancer syndrome plus at least one family member with pancreatic cancer.
Do you have a family history of pancreatic cancer? New research links specific genes and mutations to an increased likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer. However, only some of these genes are hereditary. According to the American Cancer Society: “Up to 10% of pancreatic cancers develop as a result of inherited genes.”
Certain genetic factors may increase the risk for pancreatic cancer, including:
- BRCA2 & BRCA1 Mutation – Both mutations increase the risk of breast, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
- PALB2 Mutation – Women with a PALB2 mutation are at increased risk for several types of cancer including pancreatic.
- HNPCC (Hereditary Non Polyposic Colorectal Cancer) Lynch Syndrome – Lynch syndrome is the most common hereditary cancer. People who have Lynch syndrome may have a nine fold increase in the risk for pancreatic cancer.
- Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) – It is a disorder in which polyps grow in the digestive tract. This condition can be developed in the small and large intestine, it can cause bleeding and blockages.
- Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome (FAMMM) – It is characterized by multiple moles and a family history of melanoma.
Acquired Gene Mutations
An acquired gene mutation is not inherited from a parent. They occur and develop during a person’s life. It can’t be passed to a person’s children because this type of mutation does not affect sperm or egg cells.
These acquired gene mutations sometimes result from environmental factors, such as smoking or exposure to certain chemicals. Smoking is one of the major pancreatic cancer risk factors.
People who smoke are two (2) times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to those who have never smoked before. About 20-35% of pancreatic cancers are caused by cigarette smoking. This means that quitting today can have a significant impact on your future health.
How You Can Help Early Detection Research
Without early diagnosis and intervention, most patients are diagnosed when their cancer has progressed to a late stage, leaving patients and their loved ones feeling hopeless. We cannot allow this devastation to continue, and it is vital that we find a solution to the gap in early diagnosis for pancreatic cancer.
Together, there is hope. TrovaNOW proceeds go towards collaborative research to detect pancreatic cancers earlier, saving thousands of lives from the world’s deadliest cancer.
If you have any questions or If you want more information about how to donate, just email us at trovanow@gmail.com
