How does cancer begin?
Cancer begins with a change in the structure of DNA, which is found in all human cells. DNA provides cells with a basic set of instructions, such as when to grow and when to reproduce.
A change in the DNA structure (genetic mutation) alters these instructions so that the cells carry on growing and reproducing uncontrollably. This produces a lump of tissue (a tumour).
How does cancer spread?
Left untreated, cancer can grow and spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system, blood and body cavities.
The lymphatic system is a series of glands (or nodes) located throughout your body. It is similar to the blood circulatory system. Lymph glands produce many specialised cells that are needed by your immune system to fight infection.
If cancer spreads via the blood, it can reach the liver and sometimes others parts of the body.
Risk factors
Although pancreatic cancer is not yet fully understood, several risk factors have been identified that may increase your chance of developing it:
- older age
- smoking
- certain blood groups (A, A/B and B)
- chronic pancreatitis (long-term inflammation of the pancreas)
- as part of a family cancer syndrome
These risk factors are outlined below.
Older age
Pancreatic cancer mainly affects people aged 50-80. Around 63% of people diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas are over 70, but it can affect people of any age.
Smoking
Smoking is associated with almost a third of all pancreatic cancer cases. Smoking cigarettes, cigars or chewing tobacco can all increase your risk of developing cancer of the pancreas. This is because tobacco smoke contains harmful toxins and chemicals that can cause irritation and inflammation (swelling) in the tissues and organs within your body.
Blood group
Patients with blood groups A, A/B or B are much more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than patients with blood group O.
Chronic pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis (long-term inflammation of the pancreas) will increase your risk of pancreatic cancer.
Although very uncommon, patients with hereditary (inherited) pancreatitis have a particularly high risk of pancreatic cancer, especially from the age of 40.
