Anyone can get pancreatic cancer. It's not always clear what causes it.
You might be more likely to get it if you:
- are over the age of 65 – it's not very common in people under 40
- have certain medical conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis
- there's a history of pancreatic cancer in your family
Many pancreatic cancers are also linked to your lifestyle.
You cannot always prevent pancreatic cancer. But making healthy changes can lower your chances of getting it.
Do
try to lose weight if you're overweight
cut down on how much red and processed meat (such as ham, bacon and salami) you eat
try to cut down on alcohol – avoid drinking more than 14 units a week
try to quit smoking
It's important to get any symptoms of pancreatic cancer checked by a GP, even if you do not think you have a higher chance of getting it.
Anyone can get pancreatic cancer.
