Pancreatic Cancer

[Sandyb123]

I've just learned that my 70 year old father died of pancreatic cancer last year. In his obituary, it said his mother and grandmother also died of pancreatic cancer. My question is how much heredity plays in getting this cancer? I'm sure it must increase risk, but to what degree? My father was caucasian, overweight and a frequent drinker. I hadn't had any contact with him for years so I don't know what his recent medical history was like.

[jcusack]

17% of pancreatic cancers have hereditary causes. Risk factors include smoking and a diet high in fat and inactive lifestyles. There is also a lot of research that says that there is a relationship between diabetes and pancreatic cancer, and between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Also, the average age of diagnosis is 70 years. So, although having relatives put him at risk, his lifestyle, health, and age probably put him at greater risk.