Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, leading to a poor prognosis. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies, depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer. The assessment of the Polygenic Risk Score for pancreatic cancer is based on examining 13 gene polymorphisms.
>Genetic testing for pancreatic cancer is included along with 14 other diseases in the Genetic Screening for Gastrointestinal Diseases, Polygenic Risk Score, as well as in the Genetic Screening for Neoplasms and Precancerous Malformations, Polygenic Risk Score, along with 19 other diseases.
Causes and non-genetic risk factors
The causes of pancreatic cancer are generally unknown. Most cases are considered sporadic, with hereditary cases being the least frequent. In addition to genetic risk factors, such as Peutz-Jeghers or Li-Fraumeni syndrome, other non-hereditary risk factors have been identified:
- Age and sex. Eighty percent of pancreatic tumors are diagnosed in patients over 60 years of age, with the male sex being slightly more affected.
- Tobacco consumption is the most significant environmental risk factor, being directly related to 25% of pancreatic cancer cases.
- Exposure to toxic substances such as chlorinated hydrocarbon-based solvents, nickel, silica dust, or asbestos.
- Excessive consumption of red and processed meat. Some studies have linked excessive consumption of red meat with increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Obesity.
- Diabetes. This condition is present in 40% of pancreatic cancer cases and has been postulated as a possible cause for its development.
- Pancreatitis.
- Infections, such as those produced by Helicobacter pylori and hepatitis B.
Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer usually has no symptoms in its early stages, which makes early diagnosis very difficult. When symptoms appear, the tumors have grown very large or spread outside the pancreas. Among the most common symptoms are:
- Jaundice and itching of the skin
- Pale or greasy stools
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue and weakness
- Increased blood glucose levels
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen or belly
Prevention
There is no way to guarantee the prevention of pancreatic cancer. However, some measures can be taken to try to reduce your risk:
- Avoid smoking. Smoking is the most important and preventable environmental risk factor.
- A healthy lifestyle includes maintaining a healthy weight, favoring the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods, and avoiding red and processed meats.
- Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals that can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
