Although the exact causes of pancreatic cancer are unknown, there are risk factors that have been identified. Learn what they are and find out how you can prevent pancreatic cancer.
Causes
Pancreatic cancer is not as common as other cancers. Only about 2% of cancers that are newly diagnosed in the US each year are pancreatic cancer. However, 5% of all cancer deaths are from pancreatic cancer.
Because signs of pancreatic cancer don’t normally occur until it reaches an advanced stage, it is known as the “silent killer”. About half of all individuals who are diagnosed die within 5 months. Although surgical cures are possible, 5 year survival is about 25%.
The causes of pancreatic cancer are unknown but certain risk factors that increase the chances of developing it have been identified. Pancreatic cancer occurs more in men, African Americans, and individuals over the age of 60.
If you have an immediate family member with pancreatic cancer, your risk of getting it triples. Your chances also increase if you have a family history of ovarian or colon cancer.
Prevention
The following can help lower your chances of developing pancreatic cancer.
Diet
A healthy diet makes a big difference in all diseases, including cancer. Foods high in antioxidants can help prevent cell damage and even help repair cells that have already been damaged.
Including at least 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet can greatly reduce your chances of getting pancreatic cancer (9 servings a day is said to be even better). Juicing is a good way to help meet these requirements.
Cruciferous vegetables (such as brussels sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli) and dark green leafy vegetables are especially beneficial.
To help prevent pancreatic cancer, you should also limit red meat and avoid processed foods and bad fats (including trans fatty acids and hydrogenated oils ).
Weight and Exercise
Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can reduce your risk of getting pancreatic cancer by half.
Exercising can increase the production of IGFBP-1 (a protein). People with low levels of IGFBP-1 are twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer.
Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking is linked to many cancers, including pancreatic cancer. If you quit smoking , in about 10 years, your risk of developing pancreatic cancer returns to that of someone who has never smoked.
People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol are at risk of getting pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and this greatly increases ones risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Herbs
Nigella sativa, a Middle Eastern herbal seed, may help prevent pancreatic cancer. According to research at the Kimmel Cancer Center in Philadelphia, thymoquinone (a major ingredient in Nigella sativa), can block pancreatic cancer cell growth.
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of the National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Disclaimer
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