Cancer causes around 618,000 deaths in the US each year, and while some forms are far better known than others, one type is often overlooked — even as diagnoses continue to rise.
The National Institutes of Health describes these totals as ‘estimated’, and the number is expected to climb again this year to 626,140, according to Wiley.
Part of what makes this illness so dangerous is how easily its early warning signs blend in with everyday problems. The Mayo Clinic lists symptoms that can look like common complaints — including back pain, stomach pain, and weight loss — as well as more alarming changes such as jaundice and floating stools. By the time these symptoms are clearly linked to cancer, the disease may already be advanced.
Pancreatic cancer often progresses quietly. When it does start producing noticeable symptoms, it has frequently already spread beyond the pancreas.
Ade Williams, Pharmacist Ambassador for Pancreatic Cancer Action, has warned that several risk factors are worth paying attention to as the situation appears to be worsening.
Figures from the American Cancer Society suggest about 67,530 people (35,190 men and 32,340 women) will receive a pancreatic cancer diagnosis this year. It also estimates that most will not survive (27,230 men and 25,510 women).
Because outcomes are so often poor, reducing risk where possible becomes especially important — and there are practical lifestyle changes that may help lower the odds.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Dr Williams said: “We know smoking is a risk factor for many cancers – but studies also show smokers are about twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to non-smokers.
“Smoking and drinking often go hand in hand, which can inflame the pancreas and, over time, damage the organ,” he added.
Alcohol can also affect the pancreas more directly. It may trigger digestive enzymes too early, which can cause the organ to begin damaging its own tissue.
Over the longer term, repeated injury can lead to chronic pancreatitis — a condition linked to a higher chance of developing pancreatic cancer.
Consultant surgeon and Pancreatic Cancer Action trustee Neville Menezes also highlighted the compounding impact of these habits, telling the outlet: “Years of smoking and drinking can damage pancreatic cells and lead to chronic pancreatitis,” adding: “This can set off a chain reaction that increases the risk of cancer.”
Smoking and alcohol are not the only concerns. Excess weight and diet may also play a role in raising risk.
The National Institutes of Health reports that nearly one in three US adults are overweight (30.7 per cent).
Carrying extra weight is associated with a range of health issues beyond cancer, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Some experts emphasize that fat distribution matters, not just the number on the scale.
Williams explained: “Excess visceral fat – the fat stored around internal organs – places stress on the pancreas. Losing just five to 10 per cent of your body weight can significantly reduce this strain.”
Menezes also pointed to dietary patterns that may worsen pancreatic health, saying: “Saturated fats found in meat – particularly heavily processed products – can negatively affect pancreatic health. Processed red meats, such as bacon and burgers, are linked to digestive issues and harmful changes at a cellular level.
“These effects are driven by high fat and protein content, chemical preservatives, and the formation of toxic compounds during digestion and high-temperature cooking – all of which can lead to inflammation and increase chronic disease risk.”
Interestingly, even rapid weight loss through popular weight loss injections has been discussed as a possible concern for pancreatic strain.
There has been ongoing debate around this topic. While evidence remains uncertain, a historical 2024 study reported that GLP-1 medications did not raise pancreatic cancer risk among people with Type 2 diabetes.
It concluded: “In this historical cohort study of adults with type 2 diabetes, no support for an increased pancreatic cancer incidence over 7 years following start of GLP-1RA treatment was found. However, monitoring for pancreatic cancer risk beyond 7 years following initiation of therapy is still required.”
If you have concerns, it’s recommended to speak with a doctor before starting these medications.
Hydration is another factor frequently mentioned in broad health advice, with doctors often encouraging around six to eight glasses of liquids daily — yet many people still struggle to drink enough.
Williams said: “Dehydration can affect pancreatic enzyme production, slowing digestion and nutrient absorption,” Williams said.
He added: “Think of your body as an engine – drinking water keeps it running efficiently. Even if you’re active and eat well, insufficient hydration puts extra strain on your body.”
For some people, risk is influenced by inherited genetics. Certain gene changes — including BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 — can raise susceptibility.
Higher risk is also seen in some inherited syndromes, including Peutz-Jeghers, FAMMM and Lynch Syndrome.
Even so, most pancreatic cancers are considered sporadic, meaning they occur without a clear inherited cause.
As cases rise, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma — an especially aggressive and common form of pancreatic cancer — is believed to be a major driver. Despite that, researchers say progress is being made.
Scientists at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) reported that they eliminated pancreatic tumors in lab rats and described the mechanism in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
The scientists wrote in the study: “These studies open a path to designing new combination therapies that can improve survival for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [the most common pancreatic cancer].
“These results point the way for developing new clinical trials.”