Pancreatic Cancer

Causes & Prevention

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.

Prevention of Pancreatic Cancer is a Lifestyle Issue

Although it's not always possible to prevent pancreatic cancer, certain lifestyle changes may help reduce your risk:

  • Quit smoking
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise regularly

Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a number of important risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Follow the link below for full information about each of them.

  • Race
  • Sex

The Causes Of Pancreatic Cancer Are Unclear, But Lifestyle Issues Must Be Considered

Although scientists do not know exactly what causes pancreatic cancer, a small percentage of people develop the disease as a result of a genetic predisposition.

In addition, a number of genetic diseases have been associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Yet only about 10 percent of pancreatic cancers result from an inherited tendency.

Smoking causes special problems for women

Smoking and second-hand smoke cause disease and are killers according to the US Surgeon General. They cause the deaths of 500,000 people annually in the US. This site explains the special problems smoking and second-hand smoke cause women.

European Study Shows Aspartame Causes Cancer In Rats - US FDA Taking A Look

The US FDA is issued the following statement on May 8, 2006, in response to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) press release on its review of the long-term carcinogenicity study of aspartame conducted by the European Ramazzini Foundation (ERF).

Green Tea Can Reduce Risk of Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease

According to researchers at the Yale University School of Medicine, high consumption of tea, particularly green tea, may account for a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer in Asia, despite Asian's tendency to smoke heavily.