Pancreatic cancer is a disease that affects the pancreas, a large gland that sits behind the stomach. The pancreas is responsible for secreting enzymes that help the body break down food, as well as producing hormones like insulin. While pancreatic cancer is relatively rare, it is one of the most deadly forms of cancer; more than 80% of people diagnosed with the disease die within five years.
Sadly, black men are disproportionately affected by pancreatic cancer. In fact, they are twice as likely to develop the disease as white men and 1.5 times more likely to die from it. There are a number of possible explanations for this racial disparity. For one, black men are more likely to develop diabetes, which is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Additionally, black men tend to have higher levels of inflammation throughout their bodies, which has also been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer often do not occur until the cancer has grown large enough to block the intestine or compress the common bile duct. When this happens, it can cause pain in the abdomen or back, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, clay-colored stools, weight loss, and fatigue.
Finally, black men are more likely to carry certain genetic mutations that make them more susceptible to developing the disease. One such mutation is called BRCA2, and it has been linked to an increased risk of both breast and pancreatic cancer. While these genetic mutations can be inherited from either parent, they are more commonly passed down by mothers.
Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer
In addition to being black and male, there are a number of other factors that can increase your risk of developing pancreatic cancer. These include:
Age: The vast majority of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are over the age of 65. In fact, more than two-thirds of cases occur in people over the age of 75. However, that doesn’t mean that younger people never develop the disease; about 5% of all pancreatic cancers occur in people under the age of 45.
Family History: If you have a close relative—parent, sibling, or child—who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, your risk increases significantly. This is especially true if multiple family members have been affected by the disease. Additionally, having certain genetic mutations—like BRCA2—doubles your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese has been linked to an increased risk of developing many different types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer. In fact, obesity is thought to account for about 20% of all pancreatic cancers in the United States.
Long-term Inflammation: Chronic inflammation—meaning inflammation that lasts for long periods of time—has been linked to an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. This could be due to the fact that inflammation generates oxidative stress and damage throughout the body, which can lead to cellular changes that promote tumor growth. Some common causes of chronic inflammation include autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as viral infections like hepatitis C.”
While anyone can develop pancreatic cancer, black men are disproportionately affected by the disease. There are a number of possible explanations for this racial disparity, including higher rates of diabetes and obesity among black men as well as certain genetic mutations that make them more susceptible to developing the disease.” While there is no surefire way to prevent pancreatic cancer,” there are some lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk,” including maintaining a healthy weight,” eating a healthy diet,” and avoiding cigarettes.” If you have any concerns about your personal risk factors,” please don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor.”
