How to Prevent Pancreatic Cancer

Can pancreatic cancer be prevented? Unfortunately, there is currently no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatic cancer. However, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing the disease and to detect it at the earliest possible stage. Early detection can greatly improve disease outlook.

Certain lifestyle changes could decrease your risk of pancreatic cancer.

Stop or avoid smoking

Smoking is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Those who smoke are about twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to those who don’t smoke. Fortunately, quitting will help reduce this risk. Research has shown that five years after cigarette smoking withdrawal, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer returns to the same level as that of the general population. If you do not smoke, avoid starting.

Related: Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors: What You Should Be Aware Of

Reduce or avoid alcohol consumption

More research is needed to study the relationship between alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer risk. However, some studies do suggest that heavy alcohol use is linked to pancreatic cancer. Consuming large amounts of alcohol in the long term also increases the chance of developing chronic pancreatitis, which can increase pancreatic cancer risk. Avoiding, or at least reducing, alcohol consumption may help to reduce the chances of developing pancreatic cancer.

The US Dietary Guidelines define heavy or excessive drinking as:

• 4 or more drinks on any day or 8 or more per week for women
• 5 or more drinks on any day or 15 or more per week for men

In the US, a “standard drink” contains 14 grams, or about 0.6 fluid ounces (fl oz), of “pure” ethanol. For example, a standard drink in the US is equivalent to 12 fl oz of regular beer.

Maintain a healthy diet and regular physical activity

There are no conclusive studies about what diets or foods can increase or reduce pancreatic cancer risk. However, maintaining a diet of healthy grains, vegetables, fruits and fish, as well as limiting red meat and sugary foods, can help to manage your weight and overall health. Since being overweight or obese is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, maintaining a healthy diet, together with regular physical activity, can help to reduce pancreatic cancer risk.

Limit exposure to certain substances

Certain chemicals or metals, such as some pesticides, asbestos, benzene, chlorinated hydrocarbons, chromium and nickel, have been linked to increased pancreatic cancer risk. Avoiding or limiting exposure to such chemicals can reduce pancreatic cancer risk. If you are exposed to such metals or chemicals, ensure that the necessary precautionary safety measures are taken.

Certain medical conditions increase your pancreatic cancer risk. Reducing the risk of developing these conditions or ensuring these conditions are well managed can help in lowering your risk of pancreatic cancer.

Family history

Some pancreatic cancers can be tied to genetic mutations with hereditary patterns. A family history of pancreatic cancer in a first-degree relative should prompt genetic testing to determine if screening may be beneficial. Since we are only aware of some, but not all, of the genetic mutations that may predispose one to increased risk of pancreatic cancer, having multiple first and second-degree relatives with pancreatic cancer may also warrant screening.

Some mutations may be associated with other cancers, such as breast and colon cancer. As such, it is important to be aware of all the cancers in one’s immediate family.

Diabetes

New–onset development of type 2 diabetes is often due to suboptimal diet and lifestyle practices, but may warrant an evaluation to rule out an early pancreatic cancer. It remains debatable if individuals with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of cancer, and screening strategies for these patients are not routinely practiced.

Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic or long-term inflammation of the pancreas that fits the diagnostic criteria for chronic pancreatitis can, in select situations, increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. This is often dependent on the original cause of pancreatitis.

Preventing or reducing the risk of chronic pancreatitis can be done by making lifestyle changes. Avoiding or quitting smoking and limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption are key steps in preventing chronic pancreatitis and, in turn, lowering the risk of pancreatic cancer. If you are currently suffering from chronic pancreatitis, similar lifestyle changes are recommended to prevent further damage to your pancreas.

Address precancerous lesions (pancreatic cysts)

Pancreatic cysts are common and can be found in about 2% of the general population. Fortunately, most cysts are benign, but a small minority can possess precancerous properties and eventually transform into an aggressive cancer. Therefore, surveillance is recommended for all cysts unless they are proven benign. Surveillance can be as simple as an MRI of the abdomen. For some precancerous lesions, such as an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm affecting the main duct of the pancreas, the risk of cancer is so high that preventive surgery may be recommended.

While there is no guaranteed way or method to prevent pancreatic cancer, it's possible to take measures to lower the chances of developing it. It is important to understand that everyone's risk is unique, and taking steps to address your concerns can provide peace of mind. Seeking the guidance of a doctor can be a great first step towards gaining the reassurance and confidence needed to move forward.