Adults under 50 believe they are not a risk for pancreatic disease

Author(s):

Grace Koennecke

Key Takeaways

Pancreatic cancer rates are increasing by 1% annually in individuals under 50, challenging the misconception that it primarily affects older adults.
A survey found 53% of adults under 50 are unaware of early signs of pancreatic cancer, and 37% feel they cannot alter their risk.
Obesity increases lifetime pancreatic cancer risk by 20%, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle modifications, including reduced alcohol consumption, regular exercise, and a plant-based diet, are recommended to lower pancreatic cancer risk.

New research highlights the importance of healthy lifestyle changes and family history to reduce the risk of pancreatic disease.

In the U.S., pancreatic cancer rates are increasing in people under age 50, with new research from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC - James) finding most people believe that pancreatic issues only occur in elderly people.

Researchers conducted a survey where respondents were asked about risk factors for pancreatic cancer, with 53% of adults under 50 reporting they would not detect early signs or symptoms of the disease. Meanwhile, 37% believed there was nothing they could do to change their risk of pancreatic cancer and 33% believed only older adults were at risk.

Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate, co-leader of the OSUCCC - James Molecular Carcinogenesis and Chemopreventive Program, said, “Pancreatic cancer rates, however, have been rising by about 1% annually, and we are seeing this disease in people who are in their 40s much more regularly. This is a concerning trend, and one for which research is needed to learn why.”

After the results of the study, Cruz-Monserrate says a healthy weight could help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer, as obesity increases a person’s lifetime risk for pancreatic cancer by 20%.

“You can't change your genes, but you can change your lifestyle,” Cruz-Monserrate said. “For most people obesity is within someone's power to change. It also increases a person's risk for type 2 diabetes, other cancers and cardiovascular disease.”

Other factors that can help reduce the risk of pancreatic disease include limiting or eliminating alcohol, regular to moderate exercise, and a plant-based diet with limited red or processed meat.

In all, Cruz-Monserrate and her team strongly recommend making healthy changes to one’s lifestyle and understanding one’s family history are crucial for risk reduction of pancreatic disease.

“This disease is too often a silent killer, with no symptoms until it has progressed to less treatable stages,” Cruz-Monserrate said. “We must continue to aggressively pursue research that will help us prevent, diagnose and treat this disease more effectively.”