Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease.
It has a five-year survival rate of just 10.8%.
It causes 8% of cancer deaths, despite accounting for 3.2% of new cases.
Most cases are diagnosed after age 65.
Smoking, having diabetes, and a poor diet increase the risk of developing it.
These factors can combine and significantly raise the odds.
Detecting pancreatic cancer symptoms early is difficult.
They resemble those of other diseases and may not be clear at first.
Common symptoms include jaundice, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.
It is also common to lose your appetite.
If you have these symptoms persistently, see a doctor.
Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Between 85 and 90% of patients have high levels of the tumor marker CA19-9.
This may indicate the presence of the disease.
However, more tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Pancreatic cancer is classified into stages one through four.
Early detection and treatment improve the chances of survival.
They can also improve the patient’s quality of life.
What is pancreatic cancer and who is at risk?
Pancreatic cancer arises when malignant cells form in the tissues of the pancreas.
This vital organ, located behind the stomach, is crucial for digestion.
It produces digestive enzymes and hormones that regulate blood glucose levels.
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing this disease.
Now we will see how the pancreas works and the main associated risk factors.
Understanding the pancreas and its function
The pancreas is a small, fish-shaped organ behind the stomach.
It has two main functions:
- Production of digestive enzymes: The pancreas secretes enzymes that break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
This facilitates its absorption in the small intestine. - Blood glucose regulation: Produces hormones such as insulin and glucagon.
These hormones maintain a proper balance of glucose in the blood.
Risk factors for pancreatic cancer
Although the exact causes of pancreatic cancer are not fully understood, several have been identified.
Risk factors:
- Age: Most cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 65.
- Smoking: Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing this disease by two to three times.
- Diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Chronic pancreatitis: Chronic inflammation of the pancreas increases the risk of this disease.
- Family history: Having direct relatives with pancreatic cancer increases the risk of developing it.
- Obesity: Obese people have a higher risk of pancreatic cancer.
Having these risk factors does not guarantee developing pancreatic cancer.
However, knowing them helps you make informed lifestyle choices.
It can also improve preventive health care.
Pancreatic cancer symptoms: warning signs to look out for
Pancreatic cancer has a variety of symptoms, some similar to other conditions.
Certain signs should be taken seriously and consulted with a doctor.
This is crucial if symptoms persist or worsen over time.
Jaundice and related symptoms
Jaundice, which yellows the skin and eyes, is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer.
It is due to the buildup of bilirubin when a tumor blocks the bile duct.
Other signs related to jaundice include:
- Dark urine
- Pale or greasy stools
- Itchy skin
Abdominal or back pain
Abdominal or back pain is another common symptom of pancreatic cancer.
It occurs when the tumor presses on nearby nerves or spreads to neighboring organs.
However, this pain can also have other causes.
Weight loss and lack of appetite
Unintentional weight loss and lack of appetite are common in pancreatic cancer.
If the tumor presses on the stomach, it can make it harder for food to pass through.
This causes nausea, vomiting , and pain that gets worse after eating.
Other less common symptoms
Pancreatic cancer can cause other, less common problems, such as:
- Enlarged gallbladder or liver due to bile buildup
- Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
- Diabetes, caused by the destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas
These symptoms may be related to pancreatic cancer or other less serious conditions.
If they persist, it is essential to consult a doctor to get a proper diagnosis .
Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer
If pancreatic cancer is suspected, your doctor will order imaging tests.
These include CT, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound to view the pancreas.
A tissue biopsy is also done.
A blood test detects the tumor marker CA19-9.
This is elevated in 85-90% of patients with pancreatic cancer.
It serves as a basis for following the disease during treatment.
Chemotherapy is the main treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Patients with localized cancer may receive radiation therapy or surgery.
Advances in these treatments have improved long-term outcomes.
Some patients survive 4 to 6 years with this combination of treatments.
It is crucial to seek care at specialized pancreatic cancer centers.
These centers have experienced multidisciplinary teams.
Specialist centres offer access to the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment.
Their expertise and resources can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
