As pancreatic cancer rates rise among people under 50, a new survey by Ohio State University Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) shows that most people still believe that pancreatic disease only affects older people – and that there is nothing they can do to reduce their risk.

For this survey, respondents were asked about risk factors for pancreatic cancer. More than half (53%) of adults under 50 said they would not recognize early signs or symptoms of illness, and more than a third (37%) believe there is nothing they can do to modify their risk of pancreatic cancer. More than a third (33%) also believe that only older people are at risk.

“However, rates of pancreatic cancer are increasing by about 1% per year, and we are seeing this disease much more regularly in people in their 40s. This is a worrying trend and one where research is needed to understand why,” said Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate, PhDco-leader of the OSUCCC – James Molecular Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program.

Risk factors you can and cannot change

Cruz-Monserrate says reducing pancreatic cancer risk could start with maintaining a healthy weight. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases1 in 3 Americans are overweight and more than 2 in 5 are clinically obese. Obesity alone increases a person’s lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer by 20%.

On the other hand, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that only 10% of pancreatic cancers are linked to hereditary risk (genetic markers passed down through families), including BRCA genes, Lynch syndrome and others.

“You can’t change your genes, but you can change your lifestyle. For most people, it is possible to change obesity. It also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, other cancers and cardiovascular disease,” Cruz-Monserrate said.

More than 66,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024, and fewer than 13% of them will reach five years of survival, according to ACS estimates.

Other modifiable lifestyle factors thought to reduce your lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer include limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption, regular moderate exercise, and a plant-based diet with a limited amount of red or processed meat.

More than half of those surveyed (54%) knew that genetic testing helps people understand whether they should be tested for pancreatic cancer.

Research for screening, prevention and treatment

OSUCCC – James researchers are conducting studies to identify ways to screen for early signs of pancreatic cancer, including minimally invasive methods of screening for pancreatic cysts, and understand the role of diabetes and chronic pancreatitis in the risk of pancreatic cancer. However, until science provides more answers, Cruz-Monserrate says taking action to change lifestyle factors – particularly maintaining a healthy weight – and understanding your family history are key to reducing the risks.

“This disease is too often a silent killer, showing no symptoms until it has progressed to less treatable stages. We must continue to actively pursue research that will help us prevent, diagnose and treat this disease more effectively,” said Cruz-Monserrate, who conducts research on obesity-related pancreatic cancer prevention and impact of exercise on the development of this disease and pancreatitis.

To learn more about pancreatic cancer and research at OSUCCC – James, visit cancer.osu.edu or call 1-800-293-5066.

Survey methodology

This study was conducted by SSRS on its Opinion Panel Omnibus platform. The SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus is a bimonthly national probability-based survey. Data collection was carried out from October 4 to 7, 2024, with a sample of 1,004 respondents. The survey was conducted via web (n = 974) and telephone (n = 30) and administered in English. The margin of error for total respondents is +/-3.5 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All SSRS Opinion Panel omnibus data is weighted to represent the target population of U.S. adults aged 18 or older.

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