Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably, forming a malignancy. The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is still unknown, howeverThere are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing this cancer. To find out what these factors are, consider the following explanation.
Pancreatic cancer is a condition in which there is a malignant tumor in the pancreas, an organ located near the stomach.
The pancreas is in charge of producing enzymes that the body needs to digest and absorb carbohydrates, proteins, and fats found in food. In addition to enzymes, the pancreas also produces two important hormones for the body, namely insulin and glucagon.
Pancreatic cancer in its early stages generally has no typical symptoms, or even asymptomatic. Pancreatic cancer usually only shows symptoms when the condition is classified as severe. These symptoms include:
- Decrease or loss of appetite.
- Weight loss even if you are not on a special diet.
- Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back, the pain may get worse when lying down or after eating.
- Yellow skin.
- Digestive disorders, such as flatulence, diarrhea, and nausea.
- Body feels weak.
- Itching all over the body.
If you experience some of the symptoms above, immediately consult a doctor to determine whether these symptoms are caused by pancreatic cancer or not.
Causes and Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer occurs when pancreatic cells undergo genetic changes (mutations) so that these cells continue to grow and multiply uncontrollably.
So far, the exact cause of the occurrence of genetic mutations in pancreatic cells is not known with certainty. Even so, there are several things that are known to increase a person's risk of developing pancreatic cancer, namely:
1. Hereditary factors
A person has a risk of developing pancreatic cancer if one or both of his parents have had pancreatic cancer. This is thought to be due to a genetic component that causes pancreatic cancer which is inherited in children.
2. Old age
Pancreatic cancer mostly occurs in elderly people, namely at the age of 50-80 years. Statistically, this disease is most commonly found in those aged between 65-70 years.
3. Smoking habit
In addition to heredity and age, smoking is also a risk factor that plays a major role in increasing the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Based on the results of a study, it is known that about 30% of patients with pancreatic cancer are heavy smokers. In addition to cigarettes, exposure to toxic chemicals can also increase a person's risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
4. Unhealthy eating patterns
Not maintaining a diet is one of the risk factors that can cause pancreatic cancer. Unhealthy eating patterns that can cause pancreatic cancer are rarely eating fruits and vegetables, and eating too often red meat and fatty foods, including fried foods, processed meats, or smoked meats.
In addition to this diet, the habit of consuming alcohol can also be a risk factor for someone developing pancreatic cancer.
5. History of certain diseases
There are several diseases that can increase a person's risk for pancreatic cancer, namely uncontrolled diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, bacterial infections. H. pylori, and hepatitis B.
People who have a history of cancer, such as stomach cancer, mouth and throat cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, or prostate cancer, are also more at risk for pancreatic cancer.
In addition to the above factors, a number of other factors, such as a lack of lycopene and selenium, being overweight or obese, frequently exposed to high-intensity radiation, or having had radiation therapy, can also increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Prevent Pancreatic Cancer
Some risk factors for pancreatic cancer are unavoidable. These unavoidable risk factors are advanced age and heredity. However, this does not mean that this disease is completely unavoidable.
To reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, there are several things you can do, namely:
- Live a healthy diet, namely by increasing fiber intake from vegetables and fruits, such as mustard greens, broccoli, guava, melon, papaya, and tomatoes.
- Maintain ideal body weight. This can be achieved through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Do not smoke and consume alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid exposure to toxic substances, such as pesticides and certain synthetic dyes.
In addition to a healthy lifestyle, it is also important to have regular health checks (check-up) to the doctor regularly to find out your overall health condition.
Especially if you have parents or biological family with a history of pancreatic cancer, or if you have the risk factors mentioned above.
