No one knows the exact causes of pancreatic cancer. Doctors can seldom explain why one person gets pancreatic cancer and another does not. However, it is clear that this disease is not contagious. No one can "catch" cancer from another person.

Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop pancreatic cancer. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease.

Studies have found the following risk factors:

•  Age: The likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age.  Most pancreatic cancers occur in people over the age of 60

•  Smoking: Cigarette smokers are two or three times more likely than nonsmokers to develop pancreatic cancer.

•  Diabetes:  Pancreatic cancer occurs more often in people who have diabetes than inpeople who do not.

•  Being Male:  More men than women are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

•  Being African American:  African Americans are more likely than Asians, Hispanics or whites to get pancreatic cancer.

•  Family History:  The risk of developing pancreatic cancer triples if a person's mother, father, sister or brother had the disease.  Also, a family history of colon or ovarian cancer increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.

•  Chronic Pancreatitis:  Chronic pancreatitis is a painful condition of the pancreas.  Some evidence suggests that chronic pancreatitis may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Other studies suggest that exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace or a diet high in fat may increase the chance of getting pancreatic cancer.

Most people with known risk factors do not get pancreatic cancer. On the other hand, many who do get the disease have none of these factors. People who think they may be at risk for pancreatic cancer should discuss this concern with their doctor. The doctor may suggest ways to reduce the risk and can plan an appropriate schedule for checkups.

Pancreatic cancer is sometimes called a "silent disease" because early pancreatic cancer often does not cause symptoms. But, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

•  Pain in the upper abdomen or upper back

•  Yellow skin and eyes and dark urine from jaundice

•  Weakness

•  Loss of appetite

•  Nausea and vomiting

•  Weight loss

These symptoms are not sure signs of pancreatic cancer. An infection or other problem could also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can diagnose the cause of a person's symptoms.

Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor so that the doctor can treat any problem as early as possible.

The pancreas is a gland located deep in the abdomen between the stomach and the spine (backbone). The liver, intestine, and other organs surround the pancreas.

The pancreas is about 6 inches long and is shaped like a flat pear. The widest part of the pancreas is the head, the middle section is the body, and the thinnest part is the tail.

The pancreas makes insulin and other hormones. These hormones enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. They help the body use or store the energy that comes from food. For example, insulin helps control the amount of sugar in the blood.

The pancreas also makes pancreatic juices. These juices contain enzymes that help digest food. The pancreas releases the juices into a system of ducts leading to the common bile duct. The common bile duct empties into the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine.

Information provided by the National Cancer Institute