Many people younger than 50 think pancreatic cancer only affects the elderly But rates of pancreatic cancer are rising among people in their 40s Many say they wouldn’t be able to recognize early signs and symptoms, or know how to lower their risk WEDNESDAY, Oct. 30, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Pancreatic cancer rates are rising in adults younger than 50, but many continue to believe it’s a disease that only affects the elderly, a new survey shows. Folks in that age range also say they wouldn’t be able to identify early signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer, and that there’s nothing to do to reduce their risk.
“Pancreatic cancer rates have been rising by about 1% annually, and we are seeing this disease in people who are in their 40s much more regularly,” said researcher Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate , co-leader of Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Program. “This is a concerning trend, and one for which research is needed to learn why." The survey involved 1,004 people polled in early October.
A third (33%) of adults under 50 believed that only seniors are at risk of developing the cancer, the poll results showed. And more than half (53%) said they wouldn’t recognize symptoms of pancreatic cancer, the survey found. About 37% said there’s nothing they can do to change their risk of pancreatic cancer -- which isn’t true, Cruz-Monserrate said.
Dropping some pounds can lower one’s risk, for a start. Obesity .
