A client confides in the nurse that a close friend recently died from pancreatic cancer. The client asks what the risk factors are for pancreatic cancer. The nurse should respond with
“Being a female of Asian descent is linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.”
“Drinking two or fewer alcoholic beverages per week is linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.”
“Past history of acute pancreatitis before age 20 is linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.”
“Cigarette smoking is linked to an increased risk for pancreatic cancer.”
Number 4 is correct.
Rationale: Smokers are two to three times more likely than nonsmokers to develop pancreatic cancer, and smoking is considered a major risk factor for developing the disease. Other risk factors include African American race, obesity, familial history, PMH of certain cancers (breast, lung, bladder, etc.), chronic pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, and diabetes. Alcohol abuse is linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer; however two or fewer alcoholic beverages a week is considered social alcohol consumption.
