Pancreatic Cancer Is Rising In Young Adults; Doctor States Causes And Lifestyle Changes To Look Into

While pancreatic cancer remains more common in older adults, epidemiological data over the last two decades show a steady rise in cases among individuals under 50. Global cancer registries indicate that young-onset pancreatic cancer (≤50 years) has been increasing by approximately 1–2 per cent per year in many high-income countries. In the United States, pancreatic cancer incidence in people aged 25–49 has risen by nearly 30 per cent over the past two decades. Indian data are less robust due to underreporting, but tertiary cancer centres are increasingly documenting a higher proportion of patients in their 40s and even late 30s, often without classic risk factors like diabetes. This rise does not mean pancreatic cancer is now “common” in the young, but it is no longer rare enough to be ignored.

The major factors leading to pancreatic cancer are the growing rate of obesity due to improper eating habits that lead to a high intake of processed and sugar-laden foods, along with smoking and drinking, leading to inflammation in the pancreatic area. Diabetic and hereditary factors also contribute to pancreatic cancer. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Sneha Kommineni, Consultant - Medical Oncology, Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore, states the causes of pancreatic cancer in young adults and lifestyle changes that people should look into.

Possible Factors Of Pancreatic Cancer

Traditionally, pancreatic cancer was linked to ageing, smoking, and long-standing diabetes. However, many younger patients do not have diabetes at diagnosis, suggesting other forces are at play.

Genetic Factors: Studies show that about 10-15 per cent of young patients affected by pancreatic cancer may be victims of heredity. Some of the identified risk factors include hereditary factors associated with the BRCA mutations. Besides, other genetic disorders such as Lynch syndrome and FAMMM syndrome could also lead to the development of the disease. Genetic screening and counselling sessions can be potentially informative for the identification of high-risk candidates.

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Lifestyle Changes: Modern lifestyle factors continue to emerge as important in young-onset pancreatic cancer. The population experiencing obesity, a global health threat today, is at higher risk than those with diabetes, which has also increased its prevalence among young generations. Dr Sneha Kommineni states, “Moreover, lifestyle choices such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption that increase the risk of pancreatic cancer may enhance the risks arising from other factors.”

Environmental Exposures: Occupational contamination, pollution by toxic materials in water and air, are other issues of concern. Certain working activities that involve handling carcinogens may predispose males. Although causative relationships with pancreatic cancer are currently under investigation, these exposures underscore the importance of protective actions in risky settings.

Pancreatic Cancer Causes (Image Credits: Canva)

How Lifestyle Habits Are Linked To Pancreatic Cancer

Lifestyle habits like diet, obesity, smoking, or alcohol are linked to this rise in younger adults. Lifestyle factors are increasingly relevant. Rising rates of obesity, especially abdominal obesity, are associated with insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, both of which may contribute to pancreatic cancer risk. Dr Sneha Kommineni states, “Diets high in processed foods, red meat, and added sugars, along with low physical activity, may further amplify risk.” Smoking remains one of the strongest known risk factors across all age groups, and even moderate alcohol consumption can increase risk indirectly by causing pancreatitis over time.

Early Warning Signs Of Pancreatic Cancer

In younger adults, symptoms are often vague and easily overlooked or attributed to stress or common gastrointestinal issues. Dr Sneha Kommineni mentions, “These include persistent upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, unexplained weight loss, new-onset digestive problems, fatigue, or subtle changes in bowel habits.” Jaundice or sudden onset of diabetes, though less common in the young, should prompt urgent evaluation.

Screening And Genetic Testing

Routine population screening for pancreatic cancer is not currently recommended due to the lack of effective early detection tests. Efforts to combat young-onset pancreatic cancer must prioritise:

Early Detection: Promoting awareness of risk factors and symptoms among healthcare providers and the public.

Genetic Testing: Implementing routine screening for individuals with a family history of pancreatic or related cancers.

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Lifestyle Interventions: Encouraging healthier diets, regular physical activity, and smoking cessation to mitigate preventable risks.

Support Systems: Providing psychosocial resources tailored to younger patients and their unique needs.

Emerging evidence suggests that pancreatic cancer in younger individuals may have distinct genetic and molecular features. Some studies indicate more aggressive tumour biology, while others suggest different mutation patterns compared to older patients. Ongoing research is focused on understanding these differences, which may eventually guide more personalised treatment approaches.