Final answer:
Pancreatic cancer can lead to diabetes mellitus due to the damage it causes to insulin-producing cells. It is often detected late, making treatment challenging. Smoking is a significant risk factor, and the cancer can metastasize to other organs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common Complications of Pancreatic Cancer
A common complication of pancreatic cancer is the development of diabetes mellitus. This occurs due to the cancer's impact on the pancreas's ability to produce insulin, which is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer often goes undetected until it's at an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat effectively. Smoking is a significant risk factor for the development of pancreatic cancer, especially in individuals over the age of 40.
As it progresses, pancreatic cancer can also lead to metastatic prostate cancer, lymphoma, and other types of growths depending on its ability to spread to nearby or distant organs in the body.