Despite the advances in the field of oncology, the occurrence of cancer in an individual cannot be predicted with absolute certainty. This is because cancer is caused by a number of factors that are not studied extensively. It is however possible to categorize certain individuals in the high-risk category: Some of the factors believed to play a major role in the development of pancreatic cancer include:

1. Advanced Age:
As with prostate cancer, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with increase in age.

2. Gender:
Men are more vulnerable to pancreatic cancer compared to women of the same age. Further, the incidence of pancreatic cancer has been found to be high among African Americans.

3. Positive family history:
The risk of pancreatic cancer is much higher if the person has a first-degree relative (father, mother, brother, sister) with the same disease. The presence of other types of cancer among the family members may also be a predisposing factor.

4. Smoking:
As with any other cancer, the risk of pancreatic cancer is higher among smokers compared to non-smokers.

5. Other diseases:
The presence of diseases such as diabetes and chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas over a prolonged time) may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

In addition to the above factors, occupational exposure to certain chemicals, radiation and a combination of other environmental factors can cause pancreatic cancer.

The list of risk factors given above is just a guideline. An open discussion with your family doctor would help assess your risk.