Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: The risk of pancreatic cancer is not only due to age, but is also affected by lifestyle. Therefore, youth should pay attention to their health and control their weight.

A recent study showed that obesity may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 20 percent in people under the age of 50.

According to researchers at Ohio State University's Wexler Medical Center, There is little awareness among people about pancreatic cancer and most people believe that this disease affects only the elderly. However, this study shows that pancreatic cancer rates are increasing by about one percent each year and cases are becoming more common in people under the age of 40.

Research Methodology

In this study, researchers surveyed 1,004 people in America from October 4 to 7. The survey asked questions about risk factors for pancreatic cancer. The results showed that more than half (53 percent) of adults under the age of 50 said they were unable to recognize early symptoms of the disease. Furthermore, more than a third (37 percent) believed they could do nothing to improve their situation.

lack of awareness

The results of this study show that more than a third (33 percent) of people believe that only older people are at risk of pancreatic cancer. “This is concerning because the first step to reducing pancreatic cancer risk is maintaining a healthy weight,” Cruz-Monserrate said. Obesity increases the risk of this cancer by 20 percent.”

genetics and lifestyle factors

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), only 10 percent of pancreatic cancers are related to genetic risk, including markers like the BRCA gene and Lynch syndrome. Cruz-Monserrate emphasizes the fact that “You can't change your genes, but you can improve your lifestyle. Losing obesity is possible for most people, and it may also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, other cancers, and heart disease.”