Risk Factors

Small intestine adenocarcinoma is a rare cancer, and because of its low incidence, understanding its risk factors can be difficult. Several factors may contribute to the development of small intestine adenocarcinoma:

• Lifestyle Factors:
  ◦ Alcohol and Smoking: Some studies suggest that drinking alcohol and smoking may slightly increase the risk.
  ◦ Diet: Eating a high-fiber diet and maintaining a normal body weight may reduce the risk, while consuming large amounts of red or processed meats and sugary drinks may increase the risk.
  ◦ Occupation: Certain jobs, like those in farming, cleaning, or textiles, might increase the risk, but more research is needed in this area.
• Genetic Syndromes:
  ◦ Lynch Syndrome: This inherited condition, caused by mutations in certain genes, can slightly increase the risk. However, the overall risk is low (about 1%).
  ◦ Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome: This rare genetic condition significantly increases the risk of small intestine adenocarcinoma, with some patients having a much higher risk than the general population.
• Chronic Irritation: In the duodenum, constant irritation from bile and stomach acid can contribute to a higher risk of developing cancer in this area.