Most people unaware obesity can raise 20 pct lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer

Even as pancreatic cancer rates are rising among people under age 50 a new study on Wednesday showed that most people are unaware that obesity can increase the lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer by 20 per centThe study led by researchers from the Ohio State Universityrsquos Wexner Medical Center showed that most people continue to believe that pancreatic disease affects only the elderly ndash and that there is nothing they can do to reduce their riskldquoPancreatic cancer rates however have been rising by about 1 per cent annually and we are seeing this disease in people who are in their 40s much more regularly This is a concerning trend and one for which research is needed to learn whyrdquo said Zobeida CruzMonserrate from the varsityFor the study the team surveyed from October 4 ndash October 7 among a sample of 1004 respondents in the US who were asked about risk factors for pancreatic cancerThe results showed that more than half 53 per cent of adults under age 50 said they would not recognise the early signs or symptoms of the disease and more than onethird 37 per cent believe there is nothing they can do to change their risk of pancreatic cancerMore than onethird 33 per cent also believe only older adults are at riskCruzMonserrate said reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer could start with maintaining a healthy weight Obesity alone increases a personrsquos lifetime risk for pancreatic cancer by 20 per centOn the other hand the American Cancer Society ACS estimates that just 10 per cent of pancreatic cancers are linked to heredity risk genetic markers passed down through families including the BRCA genes Lynch syndrome and othersldquoYou canrsquot change your genes but you can change your lifestyle For most people obesity is within someonersquos power to change It also increases a personrsquos risk for type 2 diabetes other cancers and cardiovascular diseaserdquo said CruzMonserrateOther modifiable lifestyle factors believed to reduce your lifetime risk for pancreatic cancer include limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption regular moderate exercise and a plantbased diet with limited red or processed meatThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever