The vast majority of pancreatic cancers occur in people older than 60. Other important risk factors include:

      Race

     Black men and women have a higher risk of pancreatic cancer than do whites or Asians.

      Sex

     More men than women develop pancreatic cancer.

      Cigarette smoking

      If you smoke, you're two to three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than nonsmokers are.

      Abnormal glucose metabolism

      Having diabetes may in crease your risk of pancreatic cancer. Diabetes that's diagnosed after age 50 may be an early warning sign of pancreatic cancer in some people.

      Hereditary pancreatitis

      Your chances of developing pancreatic cancer increase if you have hereditary chronic pancreatitis. Hereditary pancreatitis (HP) is a rare genetic condition marked by recurrent attacks of pancreatitis — a painful inflammation of your pancreas.  

      Excess weight

     According to some studies, people who are very overweight or obese may have a greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer than do people of normal weight.

      Sedentary lifestyle

     If you tend to be sedentary, you may be twice as likely to develop Pancreatic cancer as someone who’s active.  But even moderate exercise may cut your risk, even if you are overweight.

      Peptic ulacer surgery

     Some studies have shown an increased risk of pancreatic cancer among people who have undergone surgery for peptic ulcers — sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. The longer the amount of time that passes after the surgery, the higher the risk.