Which statement about pancreatic cancer risk factors is accurate?

• A. Lack of physical activity only affects colon cancer risk.
• B. Smoking, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, and family history.
• C. Low-fat diet prevents pancreatic cancer.
• D. Alcohol cessation eliminates risk.

Answer: (B)

Pancreatic cancer risk comes from a mix of inflammatory, genetic, and metabolic factors. Smoking is a major, modifiable risk factor because tobacco exposure directly damages pancreatic cells and increases mutation risk. Chronic pancreatitis raises risk due to prolonged inflammation and scar tissue in the pancreas, creating opportunities for malignant changes. Obesity contributes through insulin resistance and inflammatory signals that can promote tumor growth. A family history points to inherited genetic predispositions or shared environmental factors that raise overall risk. The other statements don’t fit because risk isn’t eliminated by stopping alcohol or by a single dietary change, and physical activity’s impact isn’t limited to colon cancer—pancreatic cancer risk is multifactorial and not governed by those isolated factors alone.