Have you found any data that lists pesticides as a proximate cause of pancreatic cancer?
The risk factors that I found listed include:
Family history: 5–10% of pancreatic cancer patients have a family history of pancreatic cancer.
Age. The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age. Most cases occur after age 60, while cases before age 40 are uncommon.
Smoking. Cigarette smoking has a risk ratio of 1.74 with regard to pancreatic cancer; a decade of nonsmoking after heavy smoking is associated with a risk ratio of 1.2.
Diets low in vegetables and fruits.
Diets high in red meat. Processed meat consumption is positively associated with pancreatic cancer risk, and red meat consumption was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in men.
Diets high in sugar-sweetened drinks (soft drinks). In particular, limited epidemiological studies link the common soft drink sweetener fructose with growth of pancreatic cancer cells.
Obesity.
Diabetes mellitus is both risk factor for pancreatic cancer, and new onset diabetes can be an early sign of the disease.
Chronic pancreatitis has been linked, but is not known to be causal. The risk of pancreatic cancer in individuals with familial pancreatitis is particularly high.
Helicobacter pylori infection.
Gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Partial gastrectomy.
As you might observe, pesticides did not make the list.
I find it particularly interesting that you say that two relatives who moved here developed pancreatic cancer. Have you considered the familial risk factor listed above as the possible cause?
What about lifestyle? Did the family members who were stricken have similar habits, such as smoking, and similar diets?
I would not be one to urge you to move here because I would not want you to later blame me if you were to develop a disease, but personally, I don't consider the use of pesticides in The Villages to be a matter of major concern regarding my health.
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