ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS FOR PANCREATIC CANCER: POTENTIAL TARGETS IN EARLY DETECTION STRATEGIES

The common risk factors for pancreatic cancer (PC) are smoking, high alcohol consumption, obesity, family history of PC and dietary factors. Chronic pancreatitis facilitates the progression to cancer, resulting in the occurrence of precancerous lesions. Genetic factors variation or mutation contribute to increase risk of PC. The biomarker combination CA19-9 (Carbohydrate antigen 19-9, also known as sialyl-Lewis) along with MUC5AC (Mucin SAC - this gene has been linked to mucus hypersecretion) is also suggestive for PC diagnosis. Transabdominal ultrasound, contrast enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging are used to detect PC, but positron emission tomography with fluoro-D-glucose is clearly superior in early detection of small tumors.