Pancreatic cancer: a research breakthrough finally sheds light on the mechanisms of its progression.

 

Pancreatic cancer: behind the surge in cases, scientists are exploring unexpected avenues                               

For a long time, this disease went largely unnoticed. But today, pancreatic cancer has risen to the forefront of medical concerns: France now records more than 15,000 diagnoses per year, a 50% increase in just one decade. This dramatic jump makes it one of the most worrying cancers of our time.

Between 1990 and 2018, the number of new cases increased by 2.7% annually in men and 3.8% in women. If this trend continues, pancreatic cancer could soon become the second leading cause of cancer death, just behind lung cancer. The question then arises: what explains such an acceleration?

Alcohol and tobacco: well-identified factors, but not sufficient.

Located behind the stomach, the pancreas is a discreet but vital organ, responsible for digestion and blood sugar regulation. When a tumor develops there, it often remains silent for a long time, delaying diagnosis and complicating treatment. Among the known causes, tobacco and alcohol are the leading culprits. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that they are responsible for 20 to 30% of cases. Another factor not to be overlooked is type 2 diabetes, which increases the risk by 1.8 times. However, as Dr. Antoine Hollebecque, an oncologist specializing in digestive cancers at the Gustave Roussy Institute, points out, these factors alone are not enough to explain the rapid rise of the disease: "The problem is that no one knows precisely all the causes of this increase."

Heredity, an emerging factor not to be underestimated

In approximately 5% of cases, genetic predispositions have been identified. Certain genes, particularly those associated with breast cancer, may also increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The risk is also higher when several members of the same family have been affected. Therefore, if there is a family history of pancreatic cancer, it is advisable to discuss this with your doctor to establish a personalized monitoring plan.

Pollution, additives, stress: the environmental factors are still unclear

Researchers are also investigating the environment. Air pollution, pesticide residues, food additives… all these factors could play a role, even if the evidence remains limited. Modern lifestyles, with their reliance on ultra-processed foods and chronic stress, are also suspected. Pancreatic cancer typically develops between the ages of 60 and 70. Its management is particularly challenging because it often progresses without symptoms in its early stages, which delays diagnosis.

What are the prospects for survival today?

The figures remain alarming: median survival after diagnosis is still less than one year. Only a minority of patients – around 20% – can benefit from surgery combined with chemotherapy, which improves the chances of remission. Five-year survival is capped at between 5 and 10%, and ten-year survival remains very low, comparable to the rates observed in the 1970s, according to the American Cancer Society. This is why research and prevention are currently the most promising levers for hoping to reverse this trend. Paying attention to risk factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle can already make a real difference.