Doctor Outlines 'Powerful Steps' to Prevent 'Silent' Cancer That Kills 10,200 Annually
A medical expert has detailed crucial lifestyle habits that can elevate the risk of a 'silent' cancer, which claims over 95% of patients within ten years of diagnosis. With symptoms often vague until advanced stages, this malignancy is frequently missed and boasts one of the lowest survival rates among cancers in the United Kingdom.
Alarming Statistics and Preventable Cases
According to Cancer Research UK, recent data indicates an average of 11,091 cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed annually from 2017 to 2021, excluding the pandemic year of 2020. Between 2022 and 2024, the disease caused an average of 10,200 deaths each year. While 37% of these cases are considered preventable, the prognosis remains grim, with only 4.3% of patients surviving for a decade or more.
Private GP Dr Asiya Maula from The Health Suite has issued a warning about common lifestyle practices that heighten the likelihood of developing this cancer. She emphasizes the urgency of public awareness, as cases are expected to increase in the coming years.
Dr Maula stated: "Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage because symptoms can be vague or non-specific, which is why understanding the lifestyle factors linked to risk is so important. Small, consistent habits over time can have a significant impact."
Smoking and Alcohol as Major Risk Drivers
One of the most firmly established risk factors is smoking, which substantially raises the probability of pancreatic cancer onset. Dr Maula explained: "Smoking is one of the strongest risk factors we see. It contributes to chronic inflammation and damage within the pancreas, and over time this can increase the risk of cancer developing."
She added that alcohol consumption, particularly when excessive over prolonged periods, also plays a critical role. "Excessive alcohol intake is linked to pancreatitis, which is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer," she noted. "It’s not about occasional drinking, but sustained high consumption over time that raises concern."
Weight, Diet, and Metabolic Health Influences
Dr Maula highlighted that obesity and poor metabolic health are increasingly significant factors, especially with rising rates of type 2 diabetes. "There is a strong link between obesity, insulin resistance and pancreatic cancer," she said. "Carrying excess weight—particularly around the abdomen—can drive chronic inflammation and hormonal changes that increase risk."
Dietary patterns also contribute, with emerging evidence suggesting that high intake of processed foods and red meat may elevate risk, while plant-rich diets could offer some protection. "This is why we look at overall lifestyle patterns rather than one single factor," she remarked. "Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and staying active all contribute to lowering risk."
The Importance of Early Awareness and Action
Experts caution that pancreatic cancer is becoming a growing public health challenge, with incidence rates projected to rise by approximately 5% in the UK over the next few decades. Dr Maula stressed that while not all cases are preventable, understanding risk factors empowers individuals to make informed choices.
She advised: "You can’t eliminate risk entirely, but you can reduce it. Avoiding smoking, moderating alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight are some of the most powerful steps people can take for long-term health."
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
The NHS notes that pancreatic cancer may present no symptoms or ones that are difficult to identify. It advises: "Some of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions. Having the symptoms does not definitely mean you have pancreatic cancer, but it's important to get checked by a GP. If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat."
Symptoms can include:
- The whites of your eyes or your skin turning yellow (jaundice), possibly accompanied by itchy skin, darker urine, and paler stools.
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.
- Persistent fatigue or lack of energy.
- A high temperature, or sensations of feeling hot, cold, or shivery.
Digestive-related symptoms may involve:
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhoea or constipation, or other changes in bowel habits.
- Pain in the upper abdomen and back, which might worsen during meals or when lying down, and improve when leaning forward.
- Indigestion symptoms, such as bloating.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Request an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if:
- The whites of your eyes or your skin become yellow.
- You experience vomiting for more than two days.
- You have diarrhoea lasting over seven days.
- You have concerning symptoms but are unsure where to seek help.
You can call 111 or access online assistance via NHS 111. Consult a GP if:
- You have lost a noticeable amount of weight.
- Other pancreatic cancer symptoms worsen or do not improve after two weeks.
- You have a digestive condition with symptoms that persist after two weeks of usual treatments.
