Pancreas Cancer: What Are The Causes Of Pancreas Cancer?
One of the biggest questions people ask in regards to pancreas cancer, is about the causes of pancreas cancer. Unfortunately there are no known causes of pancreas cancer, only risk factors that increase the chances of developing that form of cancer. These risk factors range from things that cannot be prevented, to things that sufferers experienced every day. One of the risk factors, or causes of pancreas cancer is cigarette smoking. Recent studies have established a link between the two, especially in terms of the death rate associated with this form of cancer. Over 50% of all patients who died from pancreas cancer were cigarette smokers. Doctors have found that patients who stop smoking for at least five years, have lowered their chances of developing pancreas cancer. Another one of the causes of pancreas cancer is spending a large amount of carcinogens. Carcinogens are chemicals or additives that have been found to increase the chances of developing different forms of cancer. For example, nicotine and other carcinogens found in cigarettes have been found to increase the chances of developing lung cancer. Carcinogens that have been found as a cause of pancreas cancer include the pesticide DDT, and chemicals found in coke plants. Other causes of pancreas cancer include anything that causes a chronic inflammation of the pancreas. An increased use of alcohol, or alcoholism is one known cause of pancreas cancer. Using alcohol for an extended amount of time has been shown to cause inflammation of the pancreas, which has also been shown to increase the chances of developing pancreas cancer. Inflammation of the pancreas, also known as pancreatitis is one of the causes of pancreas cancer. Another known cause of pancreas cancer is injury, or damage to the pancreas through a variety of factors. For instance, the pancreas may be damaged during a sporting event such as basketball or baseball. Some athletes have damaged their pancreas when a wayward ball hit the organ, or taken a hot from a competitor in the spot. This causes the pancreas to inflame, which has been shown to cause pancreas cancer. The individual’s diet may also contribute to their ability to develop pancreas cancer. Certain types of diets have been found to act as a risk factor for developing this form of cancer. A diet that is high in fat, and low in fiber can cause the pancreas to swell, which increases the chances of developing pancreas cancer. Individuals who have undergone surgery to remove part of their stomach, also have a higher chance of developing pancreas cancer. The causes of pancreas cancer are highly varied, but some act more as risk factors than actual causes. There are individuals who experience every type of the risk factors, or causes, and yet never develop pancreas cancer. Others experience only one of the risk factors and are diagnosed with the cancer. There’s no known reason, or explanation for why this happens. Obviously these factors should be taken into consideration, even though they might not cause an individual to develop pancreas cancer.
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