Cancer of the pancreas is more common in men than in women. Men are more likely to smoke than women. The likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age, with most people over the age of 60 when the cancer is diagnosed. Although this is not usually a factor, sometimes pancreatic cancer can run in families. There may be a genetic link in up to 1 in 10 case of pancreatic cancer.

Cigarette smokers are two to three times more likely than nonsmokers to develop pancreatic cancer, and about three out of every 10 cases of pancreatic cancer are found to be linked to smoking. You may increase your risk if you have very high levels of fat and sugar in your diet, or if you eat large amounts of red or processed meats. About 7 out of 10 cases of chronic pancreatitis are due to long term heavy drinking.

Being overweight causes a small increase in the risk of pancreatic cancer.  This could be because overweight or inactive people make more insulin. Having a stomach ulcer may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. This could be due to the types of bacteria that can live in the stomach after an operation for stomach ulcer. Diabetes is both a symptom of pancreatic cancer, and long-standing adult-onset diabetes also increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.