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The Health Consequences of Smoking on the Human Body

Effects on the Pancreas

Surgeon General’s 2004 Report: The Health Consequences of Smoking on the Human Body
 
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THE PANCREAS

Your pancreas is located near the top of your small intestine. It has two very different purposes in your body. First, it helps digestion by releasing enzymes into the small intestine. Second, it regulates glucose levels in the blood. It does this by releasing hormones called insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream.

THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON THE PANCREAS

Smoking causes pancreatic cancer. In 2003, an estimated 30,700 new cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed in the United States, and 30,000 deaths were attributed to it.


  

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Disclaimer: Data and findings provided on this page reflect the content of this particular Surgeon General's Report. More recent information may exist elsewhere on the Smoking & Tobacco Use Web site (for example, in fact sheets, frequently asked questions, or other materials that are reviewed on a regular basis and updated accordingly).

 

Page last updated May 27, 2004