There are no known preventative methods for pancreatic cancer and there any no screening methods for early detection.  Nor are there any screening methods for early detection. However, people with one or more risk factors for pancreatic cancer can decrease the likelihood of their developing the condition by making certain lifestyle changes, including:

• Quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Patients should ask their physician about smoking cessation programs.
  
  
• Good nutrition and diet. Patients should consume reduced-fat and low-cholesterol foods and increased amounts of fruits and vegetables. In addition, the ACS recommends reducing the consumption of red meats, especially those that are processed. A healthy diet can help an individual lose weight and reduce the risk of obesity, another factor associated with the disease. Recent studies have also shown reduced risk for pancreatic cancer is associated with consumption of vitamin D supplements and dietary sources of folate.
  
  
• Exercise. Studies have shown that those who exercise regularly are less likely to get pancreatic cancer.
  
  
• Avoid occupational and environmental toxins. Pesticides, coal, gasoline and petroleum products should be avoided because they increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Some risk factors cannot be controlled, such as age, gender or heredity. Patients with inherited risk factors should avoid other known risk factors and inform their physician of their  family history. Although there are some tests for detecting pancreatic cancer in individuals with a strong family history, they are complicated and expensive.