Pancreatic Cancer: What To Know
Pancreatic cancer presents a unique set of challenges for individuals and healthcare providers. Considered one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, pancreatic tumors are typically asymptomatic yet malignant, which mitigates early detection. While there are more common cancers, pancreatic cancer remains a haunting challenge; learn more about the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably. Nearly all (approximately 95%) of pancreatic cancer cases are exocrine cancers, which means cell growth starts in the cells lining the pancreatic ducts. The pancreas converts food into fuel, aiding in digestion and regulating blood sugar. These functions are only sometimes impacted by cancer growth until very late stages of tumor growth.
Causes of Pancreatic Cancer
Many of the factors that increase the risk of pancreatic cancer are still unclear. There are some known causes of pancreatic cancer aside from inherited genetic mutations, including:
Smoking
Chronic pancreatitis
Long-term diabetes
Like most cancers, several lifestyle choices and environmental exposures are pancreatic cancer risk factors. In addition to smoking, obesity, exposure to pesticides and petrochemicals, and other types of chemical exposure are all risks.
Common Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Unfortunately, many of the most common signs of pancreatic cancer don’t present until the disease has reached its advanced stages. These symptoms often overlap with minor ailments and other diseases, making it difficult for individuals or healthcare providers to link conditions with pancreatic cancer without conducting other tests.
The most common symptoms are:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes
Pain in the upper abdomen, which may radiate into the back
Fatigue
Nauseau
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Light-colored stools or dark urine
Due to the disease's impact on blood sugar regulation, type 2 diabetes is sometimes a sign of pancreatic cancer, but not always.
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Is Pancreatic Cancer Common?
Pancreatic cancer accounts for roughly 3% of all cancer cases in the US. It is the 10th most common cancer in men and the 8th most common type of cancer in women. Over the past several years, cases of the disease have risen consistently, with long-term forecasters predicting it will be the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the US by 2030.
Is Pancreatic Cancer Curable? How Is It Treated?
The survival rate for pancreatic cancer is very low, but it can be treated. In most cases, the only way to cure the disease is to remove the cancer, the success of which largely depends on:
The exact location of the tumor
The stage of the cancer
Whether the cancer has spread
Pancreatic cancer treatment largely depends on surgery, which focuses on the complete removal of the tumor. Other options, like the Whipple procedure, are only viable when the tumor is located in the head (or widest part) of the pancreas, or the tail, which involves a procedure called a distal pancreatectomy.
Other options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and pain management techniques.
Today, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is 11%.
Prevention Is The Key
The pain and loss of pancreatic cancer are difficult to treat or detect. That’s why prevention matters. Through access to healthcare, healthy foods, and education, we can stop the rising prevalence of pancreatic cancer and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans. You can help Less Cancer make prevention a priority. Donate to our cause today.