If you are like me, after developing pancreatitis you are sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop. I mean, my first bout with chronic pancreatitis came totally out of the blue with no warning and it left me wondering what else could happen.
What followed in the last several years were several more flare-ups with no warning, rhyme, or reason. The doctors can’t seem to find any reason that I continue to have flare-ups, let alone the reason for the original flare-up.
So when I read about someone having pancreatic cancer the first thing that comes to mind is; can pancreatitis cause pancreatic cancer?
I’ve done some research and it seems unlikely. Everything that I study tells me that the likelyhood of getting pancreatic cancer is only slightly raised by my chronic and acute pancreatitis.
It doesn’t make sense to me though. I mean, here is my pancreas getting constantly upset by the pancreatitis, who could blame it if it became cancerous?
But I read an interesting article about the risk factors of pancreatic cancer on the American Cancer site. In it they state that:
“This condition is linked with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, but most patients with pancreatitis never develop pancreatic cancer. The link between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer is strongest in smokers.”
So that feels like another bullet dodged.
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If your a smoker, can pancreatitis cause pancreatic cancer.
I have had pancreatitis for over 5 years however the pain has got considerably worse in the past few week. My stomach is in more pain than normal and I'm not eating like I was doing a few weeks ago. I feel like my body has completely changed. I'm worried that if this problem get worse and I do smoke what are chances of getting pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is different than Pancreatitis. According to the research that I have found only a small percentage of people with Pancreatitis will go on to develop cancer. It is still an increased risk though. If you are a smoker I'd really suggest that you stop. I understand how tough breaking such a habit can be. My Partner is trying to stop smoking and having a tough go of it right now. Good luck and keep positive!