- Is pancreatic cancer a genetic disease?
Most often, pancreatic cancer is not genetic. However, in about 10% of cases, patients have the molecular mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2, which seriously increase the risk of cancer. It is pancreatic cancer that has been studied in the registration of new drugs targeting precisely these mutations. In addition, people suffering from rare syndromes such as Lynch syndrome are in a higher risk group for pancreatic cancer.
Does pancreatitis precede pancreatic cancer?
Unfortunately, the presence of pancreatitis is a prerequisite for the development of pancreatic cancer.
- How to recognize pancreatic cancer and how is it diagnosed?
In most cases, pancreatic cancer develops asymptomatically, leading to late diagnosis only when metastases occur. Some patients suffer from lumbar pain. To make the diagnosis, we usually use CT or MRI.
- Is there a link between pancreatic cancer and breast cancer?
Sometimes there are hereditary syndromes that have a link to pancreatic cancer.
- What is the prevention for pancreatic cancer?
The use of alcohol, which causes pancreatitis, should be avoided. The same applies to smoking. Physical activity and a proper diet are essential to prevent overweight and diabetes, which in turn affect the pancreas.
- Which people most often suffer from pancreatic cancer?
People who smoke, drink alcohol and are overweight are in the highest risk group. Age also has an impact, as two-thirds of pancreatic cancer patients are over 65. In addition, women are more likely to suffer from the disease than men.
