A risk factor increases your chances of developing cancer. Modifying the following risk factors may help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.

Stop Smoking

A significant number of cases of ]]>pancreatic cancer]]> may be associated with smoking. If you are a smoker, you should do everything within your power to stop. You are risking pancreatic cancer, as well as other serious diseases. Contact your doctor to see if you can use a ]]>nicotine replacement]]> , such as nicotine patch or gum. Other options include ]]>hypnotherapy]]> or ]]>group support]]> .

For more information on how to quit smoking, ]]>click here]]> .

Stop Drinking

Alcohol consumption may lead to pancreatic cancer. If you ]]>drink regularly]]> , you should try to cut down on the amount of alcohol you drink, preferably stopping all together. Contact you doctor and consider joining a support group, like AA.

Lose Weight

Being overweight or ]]>obese]]> not only increases your risk of pancreatic cancer but may also reduce your chance of survival if you are ever diagnosed with this condition. .

Try to control your body weight with the proper dieting and ]]>regular exercise]]> . Contact your doctor if you are considering ]]>bariatric surgery]]> .

Prevent Diabetes

It is well known that your chance of developing pancreatic cancer is increased if you have ]]>diabetes]]> . If you have a family history of diabetes or have other risk factors, such as being overweight, you should get regular blood sugar testing to see if you have ]]>prediabetes]]> . To prevent the condition from developing, you should control you weight with proper diet and exercise. Your doctor might consider using an antidiabetes drug if other options fail.

Avoid Exposure to Pancreatic Cancer-causing Chemicals

You have a higher-than-normal risk of developing pancreatic cancer if you work in the petroleum and dry-cleaning industries, or if your job entails the use of pesticides and dyes. If you must work in these industries, research how to best protect yourself from exposure to chemicals. Check with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health or the Environmental Protection Agency about protective guidelines.

Eat a Nutritious Diet

Discuss with your doctor or dietitian strategies to eat a ]]>healthy diet]]>, such as eating foods ]]>low in saturated fat]]> and rich in ]]>whole grains]]> and fresh ]]>fruits and vegetables]]>. You may also want to ask your doctor about taking ]]>folate]]>. One study suggests a link between high folate intake and decreased risk of pancreatic cancer.