Cancer is one of the most feared diseases in the world. This is because it can spread quickly and silently, leading to serious health issues and even death.

However, there is one type of cancer that often goes unnoticed until it is too late – pancreatic cancer.

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

The pancreas is an important gland in the body that produces enzymes to help break down food for digestion and hormones like insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow and multiply rapidly, forming a tumor or lump. It is often referred to as a “silent” cancer because it does not have many early symptoms and is usually discovered when it has spread to other parts of the body.

Types of Pancreatic Cancer

There are two main types of pancreatic cancer:.

Exocrine pancreatic cancer

This type of pancreatic cancer is the most common and forms in the exocrine cells that produce digestive enzymes. The majority of exocrine pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas, which start in the lining of the pancreas ducts.

Endocrine pancreatic cancer

This type of pancreatic cancer is much rarer and starts in the cells that produce hormones like insulin and glucagon. These types of tumors are called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) or islet cell tumors.

Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer

While the exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not known, there are certain risk factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disease:.

Age – pancreatic cancer is more common in people over the age of 50
Gender – men are slightly more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than women
Race – African Americans are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than people of other races
Smoking – tobacco use is one of the greatest risk factors for pancreatic cancer
Obesity – being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer
Pancreatitis – long-term inflammation of the pancreas can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer
Family history – having a parent, sibling, or child who has had pancreatic cancer may increase your risk of developing the disease
Genetic mutations – certain genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be vague and hard to detect in the early stages. They may include:.

Abdominal pain or discomfort
Unexplained weight loss
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Loss of appetite

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away, especially if you have any risk factors for pancreatic cancer.

Detection and Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer

Since pancreatic cancer often does not have many symptoms in the early stages, it can be difficult to diagnose. However, there are several tests that can be done to detect and diagnose pancreatic cancer:.

Blood tests – certain blood tests can help detect abnormal levels of enzymes or other substances in the blood that may indicate pancreatic cancer
Imaging tests – tests like CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds can help detect tumors and other abnormalities in the pancreas
Endoscopic ultrasound – an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end) is inserted into the mouth and down into the stomach to get a closer look at the pancreas and take samples for biopsy

Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on several factors, including the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Treatment options may include:.

Surgery – if the cancer is localized and has not spread to other parts of the body, surgery may be an option to remove the tumor
Chemotherapy – drugs are given to kill cancer cells or slow their growth
Radiation therapy – high-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors

Prevention of Pancreatic Cancer

While there is no surefire way to prevent pancreatic cancer, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:.

Quit smoking – if you are a smoker, quitting can significantly reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer
Maintain a healthy weight – being overweight or obese can increase your risk of pancreatic cancer
Eat a healthy diet – including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet can help lower your risk of pancreatic cancer
Exercise regularly – regular physical activity can help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer

Conclusion

While pancreatic cancer may be a relatively unknown and silent cancer, it is important to be aware of the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options in order to detect and diagnose the disease as early as possible.

By taking steps to reduce your risk and seeking medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms, you can improve your chances of beating pancreatic cancer.