Pancreatic cancer risk factors: a narrative review

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers of the gastrointestinal tract with a survival rateof less than ۶ months. Therefore, the present study was designed with the aim of investigating and identifyingthe risk factors of this cancer.Methods: The current research was a narrative review study that was designed in ۲۰۲۳. Related articles weresearched in three Latin databases including (PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) and Persian SID database.The selected keywords included “pancreatic cancer" and "risk factors". At the end, ۱۲ Persian and Latin articleswere examined.Results: In general, the prevalence of this disease is more common in men and elderly people. The findingsindicate that lifestyle has a direct relationship with the prevalence of this cancer; Consumption of alcoholicbeverages, cigarettes and tobacco is considered one of the most important risk factors for this cancer. Also, therole of genetic and environmental factors, underlying diseases related to pancreas, bile ducts and gall bladder,obesity, types of diabetes have also been discussed; However, in some other studies, the effects of high coffeeconsumption, ultraviolet rays of the sun, use of contraceptive pills, hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia,metabolic syndrome, chronic and acute pancreatitis have been mentioned.Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the most important risk factors related to pancreatic cancercan be generalized to smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, types of diabetes, obesity and improper diet. So itcan be concluded that modifying lifestyle and eating habits, including consuming foods rich in fiber, increasingphysical activity, adjusting insulin and blood sugar are effective in preventing this disease. Also, due to theshort-term survival of this cancer, early diagnosis is a serious way to control the disease