There are a number of suspected causes and risk factors for Pancreatic Disorders and Pancreatic Cancer. There are two types of genetics that may cause PDAC- Acquired Gene Mutations and Inherited Gene Mutations.
Inherited Gene Mutations are what we inherit or receive from our parents that increase the risk of PDAC. Sometimes these mutations can predispose individuals to syndromes that put someone at risk for PDAC. These syndromes make up a small percentage of PDAC patients.
Acquired Gene Mutations are changes to genes after someone is born. They are not inherited. These mutations can be caused by a number of cancer causing chemicals like tobacco smoke. However, many times these changes are of unknown origins and are what is referred to as a “random event”.
The genes that tend to have acquired mutations, according to cancer.org, are p16, TP53, KRAS, BRAF, DPC4 (SMAD4). These genes are not part of the inherited gene mutations.
According to Cancer.net, “Research has shown that obese and even overweight people have a higher risk of being diagnosed with and dying from pancreatic cancer. Chronic, heavy alcohol use can also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, most likely by causing recurrent pancreatitis, which is repeated inflammation of the pancreas.” Other causes include, smoking, eating excessive amounts of red meat and processed or sugary foods and drinks.