A REVIEW ON PANCREATIC CANCER: ETIOLOLY, RISK FACTORS, DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATIONS

Pancreatic cancer is one with high mortality cancer in the world. Ninety percent of pancreatic cancer. Various factors is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer including age, sex, race, genetic, history of chronic pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, gallstone, obesity, Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, diet, and pollution exposure. Unfortunately, 80-85% of patients present with advanced unresectable disease. Furthermore, pancreatic cancer responds poorly to most chemotherapeutic agents. Hence, we need to understand the biological mechanisms that contribute to development and progression of pancreatic tumours. Although screening for pancreatic cancer is currently not recommended for the general population, emerging evidence indicates that pancreatic surveillance can improve outcomes for individuals in certain high-risk groups. Overall, considerable progress is required to reduce the burden associated with pancreatic cancer. Recent, renewed efforts to fund large consortia and research into pancreatic adenocarcinoma are welcomed, but further streams will be necessary to facilitate the momentum needed to bring breakthroughs seen for other cancer sites.