A risk factor is something that increases your chances of
developing cancer. It is possible to develop pancreatic cancer
with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more
risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing
pancreatic cancer . If you have a number of risk factors, ask
your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk. Risk factors
for pancreatic cancer include the following: Most cases of
pancreatic cancer (about 85%) occur in people over the age of
fifty. The average age at diagnosis is 65. Chronic consumption
of alcohol increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. Some studies
suggest that occupational exposure to certain chemicals may
increase your risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Chemicals
that seem to be particularly associated with pancreatic cancer
include those used in the petroleum and dry-cleaning industries,
pesticides, and dyes. Although some research has shown that
people with diabetes have a two to three fold increased risk of
developing pancreatic canc