Evaluation of risk factors associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma in Black Sea region, Turkey

Aim: To evaluate the risk factors in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma in Turkey's Black Sea region and to determine groups at high risk for pancreatic cancer. Methods: 106 newly diagnosed pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients living in Black Sea region of Turkey who applied to our clinic between January 2015 and December 2016 were included in this study. In the same period a control group was formed with 92 patients of similar age. Both groups were asked to fill out a form that questioned the pancreatic cancer risk factors. Data were analyzed. Results: Pancreatic cancer risk was 3.5 times higher in people over 65 years of age. Patients with deficient level of serum vitamin D level (<20 ng/ml) had 10.2 times more risk of pancreatic cancer than patients with normal level of Vitamin D (≥30 ng/ml). While newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics had 19.5 times higher risk of pancreatic cancer, long term type 2 diabetics had 1.2 times higher risk than normal individuals. Those with pancreatic cancer in family had 4.3 times higher risk than those who did not. It was observed that people with rhesus (Rh) antigen negative blood group has 70% less risk of pancreatic cancer. Conclusion: Determination of pancreatic cancer risk factors, organization of imaging and screening programs for high-risk people can provide early diagnosis of the disease and prolong survival.