Prince Philip pancreatic cancer: The risks of developing the disease

Prince Philip quietly lived with pancreatic cancer for nearly eight years before his death, it has been claimed. 

The revelation, published in a forthcoming  biography about his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, is surprising on two counts. 

Firstly, it was never made public that the Duke had cancer, and secondly, pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to detect and has one of the lowest survival rates of any form of the disease, with many people dying just six months after diagnosis. 

Prince Philip’s story highlights the key risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing the disease, from age and family history to lifestyle choices such as smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption and diet.

Biographer Hugo Vickers, in Queen Elizabeth II, serialised exclusively in the Mail on Sunday, reveals that the Duke of Edinburgh was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer in June 2013 during an 11-day hospital stay. 

He passed away at Windsor Castle in April 2021, just two months short of his 100th birthday, with ‘old age’ recorded on his death certificate.

Vickers describes how, on the night before his death, Prince Philip quietly moved along a corridor with his Zimmer frame to pour himself a beer in the Oak Room. 

The following morning, he reportedly had a bath, said he did not feel well and died peacefully. 

By that time, he had already survived far longer than the average prognosis for pancreatic cancer, which typically has a five-year survival rate of around 12 per cent in the UK.

His story demonstrates why awareness of the disease and its risk factors is so important, as early recognition can sometimes improve outcomes

Pancreatic cancer can run in families

Around five to 10 per cent of pancreatic cancer cases occur in people with a family history of the disease. 

Risk is higher if a first-degree relative is affected or if a close relative was diagnosed at a young age.

Some inherited gene faults, including BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2, also increase risk. 

These genes are better known for raising the chance of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. 

Famously, actress Angelina Jolie underwent a preventative double mastectomy after testing positive for BRCA1 in 2013; her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died from ovarian cancer at 56.

Other rare inherited conditions, such as Peutz–Jeghers syndrome, familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome, and Lynch syndrome, are also linked to pancreatic cancer. However, most cases are sporadic and do not run in families.

Age and rising cases in younger people 

Getting older is one of the biggest risk factors. Almost half of pancreatic cancer cases are diagnosed in people over 75, and the disease is rare in those under 40.

Despite this, pancreatic cancer incidence is rising more rapidly in younger age groups, particularly among women. 

This increase appears to be driven by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common and aggressive type. Other, less common types include neuroendocrine tumours, which generally have a better prognosis.

Experts suggest rising rates may reflect both improved detection of early-stage tumours and increases in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and smoking. Overall, men still have a slightly higher incidence than women.

Smoking and nicotine products 

Around one in five pancreatic cancers is linked to smoking. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco all increase risk.

Research is ongoing into snus – nicotine pouches popular with young men – which may also raise risk. 

Quitting smoking is the most effective protection; after 20 years, a former smoker’s risk returns to that of someone who has never smoked.

Obesity and weight-related risk factors 

Roughly one in ten pancreatic cancers is linked to being overweight or obese. 

Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, can make tissues resistant to insulin, prompting the pancreas to work harder. 

This may contribute to cancer development, though more research is needed.

Obesity also raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, and pancreatic cancer is more common in people with the condition. 

Other obesity-related issues, such as gallstones, may also increase risk.

Alcohol and chronic pancreatitis 

Long-term inflammation of the pancreas, known as chronic pancreatitis, is a known risk factor. 

Sustained heavy drinking – around three or more units of alcohol a day – can increase the likelihood of developing pancreatitis and, subsequently, pancreatic cancer. 

Three units is roughly one pint of lager or a large glass of wine.

Recently, the UK drugs watchdog MHRA issued guidance after weight-loss injections called GLP-1 receptor agonists were linked to rare cases of pancreatitis. 

No direct link to pancreatic cancer has been found, but research continues.

Diet, red and processed meat 

Some studies suggest high intake of red and processed meats may slightly raise pancreatic cancer risk, particularly in men. 

The method of cooking matters: high-temperature techniques like grilling, barbecuing, and pan-frying can produce potentially harmful chemicals such as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). 

Processed meats may also carry additional risks from curing and smoking. Evidence is not definitive and more research is needed.