Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Some risk factors can be controlled, such as smoking, and some cannot be controlled, such as age and family history. Although risk factors can influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and communicating them to your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health-care choices.

The cause of carcinoid tumors is unknown, and no avoidable risk factors have been identified. Lung carcinoid tumors are not caused by or related to smoking.

The following factors may raise a person’s risk of developing a carcinoid tumor:

Family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1. Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN1) is a hereditary condition that increases the risk of developing tumors in three different glands: pituitary, parathyroid, and pancreas. It is estimated that approximately 10% of gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are associated with MEN1. For more information, read the Guide to Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, Type 1.

Race and gender. Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are more common among black people than white people, and black men are at a higher risk than black women. Among white people, men and women have the same risk. Race and gender are not a significant risk factor in lung carcinoid tumors, but women tend to live longer after treatment.

Age. For gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors, the average age at diagnosis is 55 to 65. For carcinoid tumors of the appendix, the average age at diagnosis is about 40. For lung carcinoid tumors, the average age at diagnosis is between 45 and 55. Children rarely develop carcinoid tumors.

Other stomach conditions. People with diseases that damage the stomach and reduce acid production have a greater risk of developing a stomach carcinoid tumor. In particular, people with pernicious anemia, a type of anemia characterized by very large, malformed red blood cells, have a higher risk of a stomach carcinoid tumor.