Media Coverage: Dr Asiya Maula Highlights Three Lifestyle Factors Linked to Pancreatic Cancer Risk
Dr Asiya Maula, private GP at The Health Suite, has shared expert insight into three lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, highlighting how small, consistent changes can support long-term health.
Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are often vague, making awareness of risk factors particularly important. Dr Maula explained that while not every case can be prevented and having a risk factor does not mean someone will develop the disease, some lifestyle factors can be modified.
“Small, consistent habits over time can have a significant impact.”
Smoking and pancreatic cancer risk
Smoking is one of the clearest lifestyle-related risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer.
“Smoking is one of the strongest risk factors we see. It contributes to chronic inflammation and damage within the pancreas, and over time this can increase the risk of cancer developing.”
Stopping smoking can significantly reduce health risks over time, making smoking cessation an important part of a broader approach to cancer prevention.
Alcohol and pancreatitis
Dr Maula also highlighted the relationship between sustained high alcohol consumption and pancreatitis, a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
“Excessive alcohol intake is linked to pancreatitis, which is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It’s not about occasional drinking, but sustained high consumption over time that raises concern.”
Her comments emphasise the importance of considering drinking habits as part of overall long-term health, particularly where alcohol consumption is consistently high.
Maintaining a healthy weight
The third factor highlighted by Dr Maula was being overweight or obese, which is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and staying physically active can all form part of a wider healthy lifestyle.
Importantly, Dr Maula’s advice recognises that cancer risk is complex. Having one or more risk factors does not mean someone will develop pancreatic cancer, while people without known risk factors can still be diagnosed.
Knowing when to seek medical advice
Pancreatic cancer can present with symptoms including persistent abdominal or back pain, jaundice, changes in bowel habits and unexplained weight loss.
Dr Maula’s advice highlights the importance of not ignoring persistent or unexplained changes in health. Anyone experiencing concerning symptoms should speak to their GP rather than attempting to diagnose the cause themselves.
Through her expert commentary, Dr Maula reinforces the role that sustainable lifestyle choices, awareness of risk factors and appropriate medical advice can play in supporting long-term health.
Click here to read the complete article “Oncologist shares three lifestyle habits that increase cancer risk” on MSN.