Pancreatic cancer is a serious health concern. It is one of the least common types of cancer in the U.S., yet it is the third leading cause of cancer death.
Early screening options are limited, so pancreatic cancer is often found after it has spread to other organs. At that stage, treatment is much harder.
Your pancreas is an important organ located deep within your abdomen, nestled between your stomach and spine. The pear-shaped gland regulates blood sugar levels (blood glucose levels) and produces insulin, which helps the body use glucose for energy.
Diabetes happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or the body can’t use it properly. There are different types of diabetes, including type 2 diabetes and type 3c diabetes, which is linked to pancreatic disease.
Diabetes is a risk factor for various cancers. This raises an important question: Could diabetes be a warning sign for pancreatic cancer?
To learn more about the connection between diabetes and pancreatic cancer, we spoke with Michael Choti, MD, division chief of surgery at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. Here are four key points to know.
1. Diabetes alone does not increase your risk
While having diabetes can raise concerns, it does not greatly increase your risk of pancreatic cancer. “There is really no evidence that diabetes increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer,” Dr. Choti said. “If you have diabetes, your risk of pancreatic cancer is very small.”
This means that while it’s important to monitor your health if you have diabetes, the condition itself is not a direct cause of pancreatic cancer. However, it’s important to understand the difference between type 2 diabetes and type 3c diabetes. Type 3c diabetes can develop when pancreatic diseases, like pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, affect insulin production.
If you have type 3c diabetes, you may have a different risk profile for pancreatic cancer compared to others with type 2 diabetes. Regular checkups and monitoring are important for anyone living with diabetes.
2. A sudden change or new diagnosis could signal a problem
While diabetes alone does not greatly increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, a sudden onset of diabetes in adults can sometimes indicate a problem.
“If someone who has never had diabetes suddenly develops it, especially if they are over the age of 50, this could be a warning sign,” Dr. Choti said. “However, the vast majority of patients who develop new-onset diabetes do not have pancreatic cancer, nor are they at higher risk of developing it.”
If you have well-controlled diabetes and there is a sudden change in your blood sugar levels, talk to your health care provider. They may recommend further testing to rule out other conditions, including pancreatic cancer.
3. Manage your weight and diabetes
Managing your weight and controlling diabetes can help improve your overall health. Obesity is known to increase the risk of many cancers. It is very important to keep a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Here are some practical tips to help:
- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit processed foods and sugars to stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Stay active: Regular physical activity can help you manage your weight, improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
- Monitor blood sugar levels: Regularly check your blood sugar levels to understand how your body reacts to different foods and activities.
- Talk to a nutritionist: A registered dietitian or nutritionist can give you personalized advice on managing your diet while controlling diabetes.
4. Watch for signs
Pancreatic cancer can be hard to spot early, but being aware of certain symptoms may help with early detection. “Everyone should be aware of specific symptoms related to pancreatic cancer, whether they have diabetes or not,” Dr. Choti said.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying can be a sign of various health issues.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes can indicate liver problems, which may be linked to pancreatic cancer.
- Abdominal pain or discomfort: Chronic or explained stomach pain can be a warning sign. This pain may spread to the back.
- Changes in appetite: A sudden decrease in appetite or feeling full after eating only a small amount can be concerning.
- Light stools: Stools (poop) that are pale or clay-colored can be a sign of bile duct obstruction, which may happen with pancreatic cancer.
- A new diagnosis of diabetes or diabetes that is suddenly harder to control is a sign to call your provider.
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you have diabetes, talk to your health care provider.
Takeaway
Not everyone with diabetes will develop pancreatic cancer. Diabetes alone does not significantly raise your risk. However, understanding the possible links to pancreatic cancer is important.
If you have diabetes or notice any concerning symptoms, talk to your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist. Regular check-ups and a proactive approach to managing your diabetes can help improve your overall health and reduce the risk of complications.
