Eight Ways to Lower Your Pancreatic Cancer Risk
Pancreatic cancer generally doesn’t receive a lot of publicity, but this very aggressive cancer was brought to the public mind with the recent death of actor Patrick Swayze.
Pancreatic cancer is treatable if caught early, however most are discovered too late. As such, fewer than five percent of pancreatic cancer patents celebrate a five-year survivor milestone. According to the American Cancer Society, it is the fourth leading cause of cancer related death overall.
As with any cancer, there is no smoking gun. A person’s lifestyle, age, family and medical history, and environmental factors generally are at play in determining one’s risk. However, recent studies have found that some common practices may dramatically increase the risk for pancreatic cancer. Here are some to note.
Don’t smoke. The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases two to three times among smokers. About 30 percent of all pancreatic cancers are thought to be a direct result of cigarette smoking. A 2007 study conducted by researchers at Michigan State University and published in the International Journal of Cancer added to the body of research further linking cigarette smoking to pancreatic cancer.
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The key point of your very helpful information is that pancreatic cancer is treatable if caught early, reinforcing the need for regular physical exams and check ups. There haven't been a lot of news stories about famous women with this disease, but it's very much an equal opportunity cancer. Awareness and prevention are critical.
Very well said Pat.