What happened
Pancreatic cancer rates are rising in the US, particularly among younger people. A Daily Mail analysis of federal cancer data found that rates among under-50s have been increasing by almost three percent annually. The disease is expected to affect an estimated 67,500 Americans this year.
The analysis also revealed geographical differences in pancreatic cancer rates. Washington DC has the highest rate of pancreatic cancer among all age groups, followed by Wisconsin, New Jersey, Louisiana, and Delaware. In contrast, Colorado has a rate nearly 30 percent lower than the nation's capital.
Among younger patients under 50, West Virginia has the highest rate, followed by Iowa, Washington DC, Maine, and Indiana. Doctors are trying to understand what may be driving the rise in pancreatic cancer rates, particularly among younger people.
Oncologists have identified various factors that may contribute to the geographical differences, including lifestyle factors and socioeconomic status. The diversity of the population, including race and ethnicity, may also play a role.
