Men in 50s Face Rising Pancreatic Disease Risk From Long-term Drinking

Pancreatic disease can progress silently even when patients appear outwardly healthy. Medical experts are warning that men in their 50s with long-term exposure to alcohol and smoking need to pay closer attention to pancreatic health.

"Middle-aged men who have been drinking for extended periods should be cautious not only about liver disease but also chronic pancreatitis," said Jeon Yong-jun, director of internal medicine at Dasarang Central Hospital, a facility designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare as specializing in alcohol-related diseases. "For those over 50 with overlapping risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, smoking, and hyperlipidemia, regular check-ups are necessary even without obvious symptoms."

Pancreatic cancer is often called the "silent cancer" because it rarely shows early symptoms. The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen with numerous connections to surrounding organs, often delaying detection and making surgery highly difficult. The five-year relative survival rate for pancreatic cancer stands at approximately 17%.

Pancreatitis, characterized by damage or inflammation of the pancreatic glands, is classified as either acute or chronic. Repeated alcohol consumption can excessively increase pancreatic fluid secretion, causing some to flow back into the pancreas and damage pancreatic cells.

Men in their 50s accounted for a notable share of patients hospitalized for alcohol use disorder. According to Dasarang Central Hospital's analysis of 835 male inpatients in 2025, those in their 50s numbered 201—the largest group—followed by 168 in their 40s and 156 in their 30s. The hospital noted that many of these patients continued both drinking and smoking simultaneously, with some diagnosed with pancreatic disease.

"Chronic pancreatitis not only reduces pancreatic function through repeated inflammation but can also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer," Jeon said. "Abdominal obesity, which becomes more common after age 50, can also become a risk factor when combined with metabolic abnormalities."

Warning signs suggesting possible pancreatic disease include unexplained weight loss and prolonged indigestion or upper abdominal discomfort. Sudden changes in blood sugar levels or difficulty controlling diabetes may also indicate related conditions. Repeated pain below the sternum or in the flank area, persistent back or lower back pain, and jaundice—yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes—also warrant attention.

"For those with risk factors, abdominal ultrasound should be standard in regular check-ups, with CT scans or other detailed examinations considered as needed," Jeon added. "For those struggling to control their drinking, seeking help from addiction management support centers or specialized treatment facilities is also an option."