The World Health Organization says that alcohol is a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer. A new study conducted by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer shows that drinking even moderate amounts of alcohol increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. Researchers say that this factor has also been found in non-smokers. Drinking an extra 10 grams of alcohol per day, a small glass of wine, or even a beer increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by three percent. The risk increases again in heavy drinkers. Women who drink 15 to 30 grams of alcohol per day have a 12 percent higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Alcohol causes inflammation of the pancreas, which damages pancreatic cells, causing genetic mutations and uncontrolled cell growth, which can lead to cancer. The pancreas produces enzymes to digest food and hormones to regulate blood sugar levels. However, pancreatic cancer is dangerous because it does not show early symptoms and goes undetected. Often, the diagnosis is made at a late stage, after the cancer has spread to other organs. This also affects treatment.