Can Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Be Prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). Some risk factors, such as family history, can’t be controlled. But there are things you can do that might lower your risk.
Don’t smoke
Smoking is an avoidable risk factor for pNET. Quitting smoking may help lower risk. If you smoke and want help quitting, please talk to your health care provider or call us at 1-800-227-2345.
Limit alcohol use
Heavy alcohol use has been tied to pNETs in some studies but not in others. This link has still not been proven, but heavy alcohol use can lead to conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, which has been associated with an increased risk of pNET.
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Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Ben Q, Zhong J, Fei J, et al. Risk Factors for Sporadic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Case-Control Study. Scientific Reports. 2016;6:36073. doi:10.1038/srep36073.
Haugvik SP, Hedenstr?m P, Kors?th E, et al. Diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, and family history of cancer as risk factors for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuroendocrinology. 2015;101(2):133-42. doi: 10.1159/000375164. Epub 2015 Jan 22.
Leoncini E, Carioli G, La Vecchia C, Boccia S, Rindi G. Risk factors for neuroendocrine neoplasms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Oncol. 2016 Jan;27(1):68-81. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdv505. Epub 2015 Oct 20.
Last Revised: March 29, 2025
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