Obese people have 20 percent higher risk of pancreatic cancer; Study reveals

Pancreatic Cancer Risk: The risk of pancreatic cancer is not only due to age, but is also affected by lifestyle. Therefore, young people should pay attention to their health and keep their weight under control.

A recent study has indicated that obesity may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 20 per cent in people under the age of 50. 

According to researchers at Ohio State University's Wexler Medical Center, public awareness of pancreatic cancer is low, and most people believe the disease only affects the elderly. However, this study shows that pancreatic cancer rates are increasing by about one percent each year, and cases are becoming more common in people under the age of 40.

Research methodology

In this study, researchers surveyed 1,004 people in the US from October 4 to 7. The survey asked questions about risk factors for pancreatic cancer. The results showed that more than half (53 percent) of adults under the age of 50 said they were unable to recognize early symptoms of the disease. In addition, more than one-third (37 percent) believed they could not do anything to improve their condition.

lack of awareness

The results of this study show that more than one-third (33 percent) of people believe that only older people are at risk of pancreatic cancer. "This is worrying because the first step to reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer is to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity increases the risk of this cancer by 20 percent," Cruz-Monserrate said.

Genetics and lifestyle factors

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), only 10 percent of pancreatic cancers are related to genetic risk, including markers such as the BRCA genes and Lynch syndrome. Cruz-Monserrate emphasizes the fact that "you can't change your genes, but you can improve your lifestyle. Reducing obesity is possible for most people, and it can also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, other cancers, and heart disease."