The American Cancer Society says the average age at which patients are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is 72.
But this new study of more than 800 patients found that heavy smokers were diagnosed at about age 62, and heavy drinkers 61.
This study also found that beer drinkers were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at an earlier age than those who drank other types of alcohol.
Scientists reporting in the American Journal of Gastroenterology say the good news is that the harmful effects can be reversed if the person gives up these unhealthy habits.
