Black individuals are affected almost twice as commonly as Whites. The number of new patients per year in the U.S.A. has remained steady over the past 25 years. No one knows why any particular person gets pancreas cancer and another does not. The risk gradually returns to normal after quitting smoking for 5 years. Chronic Inflammation of the pancreas from any source, including a blocked pancreatic duct, hereditary pancreatitis, or viruses increase cancer risk.
Carcinogens are chemicals that increase cancer risk.
Workers in coke plants or those exposure to naptha or benzene get more pancreas cancer. The DDT pesticide is linked to a 7 times increase in pancreas cancer risk. Diet is linked to many gastrointestinal cancers. High fat, low fiber diets may increase risk of pancreas cancer. Caffeine has not been proven to increase risk.