Control what you can—act on what you can’t

While no lifestyle change can guarantee prevention, understanding who’s at risk and what habits help can improve your odds of catching problems sooner. Midvaal helps you translate risk into an action plan—from GP assessment and targeted tests to nutrition, smoking cessation, and specialist referrals where needed. If you carry multiple risks or notice persistent digestive changes, book a review early to keep your options open.

Who’s at higher risk?

• Family history/genetic syndromes (e.g., BRCA-related, hereditary pancreatitis)

• Chronic pancreatitis or long-standing inflammation

• Smoking (current or past)

• Obesity and long-standing type 2 diabetes

• Age 55+ (risk rises with age)

Have more than one risk? Ask for a risk review with our clinicians.

What you can influence (today)

• Quit smoking: The single most impactful, modifiable step.

• Weight & activity: Aim for gradual loss if overweight; include moderate exercise most days.

• Dietary pattern: Emphasise fibre (veg, legumes, whole grains), lean proteins, and healthy fats; limit ultra-processed foods and excess alcohol.

• Diabetes control: Keep sugars in target range; unexpected changes warrant a check.

• Pancreatitis care: Follow specialist advice to limit recurrent inflammation.

What you can’t change (and how to respond)

• Age and genetics: If you have a strong family history or known mutation, discuss specialist surveillance options.

• Past pancreatitis: Prior episodes increase risk—prioritise follow-up and symptom monitoring.

The Midvaal “ACT EARLY” plan

Assess: GP visit, history, exam, and baseline bloods.

Check: If indicated, ultrasound → CT/MRI; targeted EUS/biopsy via specialist.

Tailor: Multidisciplinary plan (surgery/oncology/supportive care).

Support: Dietetics, pain/symptom control, mental health, and nurse navigation.

When to act immediately

• Painless jaundice, dark urine, pale/greasy stools

• Persistent upper-abdominal/back pain with unintentional weight loss

• New-onset or suddenly difficult-to-control diabetes

FAQs

1) Can lifestyle changes actually reduce my risk?
They can’t eliminate risk, but quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, moderating alcohol, and controlling diabetes are all linked to lower overall risk and better health.

2) Is there screening for people without symptoms?
No routine screening is recommended for average-risk adults. High-risk individuals (strong family history or certain genetic mutations) may qualify for specialist surveillance—ask our team.

3) I’m losing weight and my sugars spiked—what now?
New or difficult-to-control diabetes with unintentional weight loss deserves prompt evaluation. Start with a GP visit; imaging may be indicated.

Gentle medical disclaimer: This content is informational and not a diagnosis. If you’re worried about symptoms, contact Midvaal promptly.