| Theme |
Pancreatic Cancer : Up-to-date |
| Title |
Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer |
| Author |
Kyoko Shimizu |
Department of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Womenʼs Medical University |
| Author |
Keiko Shiratori |
Department of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Womenʼs Medical University |
| [ Summary ] |
Pancreatic cancer presents one of the worst prognoses of any type of cancer. The 5-year survival rate is only 5%. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer can be classified into three categories：demographic, environmental, and genetic predisposition. Familial pancreatic cancer syndromes linked to germ-line mutation in genes that are responsible for DNA repair or cell-cycle control are associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. A family history of pancreatic cancer, diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, and smoking significantly increase the risk of developing pancreatitis. New-onset diabetes mellitus (less than 2 years since diagnosis) is often associated with pancreatic cancer. Diabetic patients who have been treated with insulin or insulin secretagogues have a significantly higher risk of pancreatic cancer than diabetic patients who have not been treated with these drugs. |