Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas grow, divide, and spread uncontrollably, forming a malignant tumor. The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown .
Cigarette smoking is the major risk factor for pancreatic cancer: Smoking roughly doubles the risk for pancreatic cancer when compared to non-smokers. While diabetes is not a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, the two have been linked. Age, race, and family history are other risk factors for pancreatic cancer.