World Cancer Day is observed on February 4th to create awareness about the disease, its prevention, and treatment. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and the numbers are only increasing.

The day serves as a reminder to take action and reduce the burden of cancer globally. One of the most lethal cancers is pancreatic cancer, which has a low survival rate. In this article, we will discuss how to be more aware and fight against pancreatic cancer.

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

The pancreas is a gland located in the abdomen behind the stomach. It produces enzymes that help break down food and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.

Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. It is a highly lethal cancer, with a five-year survival rate of only 10%.

Who is at Risk of Developing Pancreatic Cancer?

Several factors can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, such as:.

Age: The disease is more common in people over 50 years old.
Gender: Men are slightly more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than women.
Smoking: Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor, and smokers are two to three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than non-smokers.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Family history: People with a family history of pancreatic cancer or certain genetic mutations have a higher risk of developing the disease.
Pancreatitis: Chronic inflammation of the pancreas can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

How to Prevent Pancreatic Cancer?

While not all cases of pancreatic cancer can be prevented, there are several lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk. These include:.

Quit smoking: The most crucial prevention measure is to stop smoking if you’re a smoker.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol in moderation is okay, but excessive drinking increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Reduce exposure to toxins: Exposure to harmful chemicals such as pesticides can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?

One of the reasons pancreatic cancer is so lethal is that it often goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that you should be aware of. These include:.

Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue or weakness
New onset diabetes

How is Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed?

If you have any of the symptoms listed above or are at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer, your doctor may recommend some tests to diagnose the disease. These include:.

Imaging tests: Such as CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, or PET scans can help detect tumors in the pancreas.
Biopsy: A sample of tissue from the pancreas is taken for analysis to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

What are the Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for pancreatic cancer, and treatment options depend on the stage of the disease and the patient’s overall health. They may include:.

Surgery: If the tumor is operable, surgical removal is the best option for curing pancreatic cancer.
Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill cancer cells and can be given before or after surgery.
Radiation therapy: High-energy beams are used to kill cancer cells.
Palliative care: This is care given to improve the quality of life of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer by managing symptoms such as pain and nausea.

Conclusion

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers, but it is not powerless against it. Awareness of the risk factors, early detection, and prevention measures can go a long way in reducing the burden of pancreatic cancer.

If you have any risk factors or notice any symptoms, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your chances of survival.