According to Cancer Research UK almost 40% of pancreatic cancers could be avoided in the UK if people were to maintain a healthy weight and not smoke.
Every year 8,800 people arediagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK but survival rates remain low, with only 3% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer surviving the disease for five years or moreafter their diagnosis. Cancer Research UK has made pancreatic cancer research a priority, and hopes to more than double its annual spend on research into the disease over the next five years. While more research is needed to find better ways of diagnosing and treating the disease, there is evidence to suggest that some pancreatic cancers are linked to being overweight and to smoking – and almost four-in-10 could be prevented by lifestyle changes.
Professor Jeff Evans, a clinician and researcher at Cancer Research UK’s Beatson Institute in Glasgow, said: “Survival for this disease remains shockingly low and this has to change. There is an urgent need to tackle pancreatic cancer head on by building up an armoury of effective new treatments – and developing ways to diagnose this disease sooner, when surgery is more effective.
“At the same time it is important to remember that people can take steps to reduce their risk of developing pancreatic and other cancers, by not smoking and by keeping a healthy weight. Keeping physically active and cutting down on red meat may also help reduce the risk.”
