Causes of Duodenal Cancer

Every day, you make decisions in your life that affect your health, but did you know that something as small as what you eat can increase your risks for duodenal cancer? First, let’s take a look at some background information on this disease: Duodenal cancer refers to any form of malignancy occurring in the duodenum – the first part of the small intestine - which has multiple functions within digestion, including connecting the stomach and jejunum. In this article, we will explore some causes of duodenal cancer, giving you deeper insight into protective measures they might take.

How is Duodenal Cancer Caused?

The following reasons are usually found to be associated with duodenal cancer occurrence:

• Diet: Diet is considered to play a significant role in eating food, specifically red meat, ultra-processed food, and smoked and cured food.
• Bowel disease: Patients of any type of bowel disease that includes chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s syndrome and others have more chances of developing duodenal cancer. Research has shown people with Crohn’s syndrome have 60% more chances to develop duodenal and other small bowel cancers.
• Genetic mutations: Mutations associated with genetic diseases like nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome predispose a person to duodenal cancer.
• Celiac disease: Patients who suffer from long-standing celiac disease are at risk for developing duodenal cancer.
• Family History: People with first-degree relatives having any form of small or large bowel cancer are at higher risk of developing duodenal cancer.
• Lifestyle factors: People with an unhealthy lifestyle that includes regular smoking, alcohol consumption, a diet low in fresh fruit and vegetables and less physical activity. are at higher risk of developing duodenal cancer.
• Benign polyps in the duodenum: Any type of non-cancerous benign growth in the duodenum may cause a higher chance of developing duodenal cancer.
• Ulcer: You may be wondering, “Can duodenal ulcer cause cancer?”. Studies have shown that ulcers in the duodenum can lead to cancer, but this occurrence is very rare.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the causes of duodenal cancer are many and can result from lifestyle factors to genetic disorders. Knowing the underlying cause is important for determining an effective course of treatment. Efforts to identify signs of this rare form of cancer should remain vigilant so that those dealing with it can receive the best possible care and outcomes. Early diagnosis and management of duodenal cancer could limit its progression and improve outcomes for patients diagnosed with this disease. Also, ensure that you have a health insurance plan in place to safeguard yourself against any financial stress.

Disclaimer: the above blog aims to provide general information about health and related topics. Any information provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials is not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is important that you contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.