A GP has drawn attention to three everyday lifestyle factors linked to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, following the death of Dolly Parton at the age of 80.
Pancreatic cancer is often hard to diagnose because its symptoms can be vague. Cancer Research UK says around 11,500 people are diagnosed with the disease in the UK each year, and just over four in 100 people diagnosed survive for 10 years or more, with late diagnosis contributing to the poor outlook.
Smoking and alcohol as risk factors
Dr Asiya Maula, a private GP at The Health Suite, said understanding risk factors is important because some can be changed. She said: "Small, consistent habits over time can have a significant impact."
Smoking is one of the clearest lifestyle-related risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Cancer Research UK says more than 15 per cent of pancreatic cancer cases in the UK are caused by smoking, while smokers have a considerably higher risk than people who have never smoked.
Dr Maula said: "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."
Giving up smoking can reduce the risk, with Cancer Research UK saying the risk for people who stopped 20 years ago is similar to that of someone who has never smoked.
Alcohol is another factor worth considering, particularly when consumed heavily over a long period. Cancer Research UK says pancreatic cancer is more common in people with chronic pancreatitis, while some research suggests the risk of pancreatic cancer increases with higher alcohol consumption.
Dr Maula explained: "Excessive alcohol intake is linked to pancreatitis, which is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It’s not about occasional drinking, but sustained high consumption over time that raises concern."
Weight and symptom awareness
Weight is the third factor highlighted by Dr Maula, with excess weight linked to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Research UK estimates that more than 10 per cent of pancreatic cancer cases in the UK are caused by overweight and obesity.
Dr Maula said maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and staying active can form part of a wider approach to reducing risk. However, having one or more risk factors does not mean someone will develop pancreatic cancer, and people without them can still be diagnosed.
The NHS says symptoms can include persistent abdominal or back pain, jaundice, changes to bowel movements and unexplained weight loss. Anyone experiencing concerning or persistent symptoms should contact their GP rather than attempting to diagnose the cause themselves.
