Pancreatic cancer has been dubbed the ‘silent killer’ for a reason – it’s one of the deadliest forms of cancer and is difficult to detect early on.

While many cancers have seen a decline in deaths in recent years, pancreatic cancer continues to be a major cause of concern, with only a 9% survival rate. Despite this, there is still a gap in information when it comes to this disease, which is why it’s important to bridge this gap and increase awareness to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

What Is Pancreatic Cancer?

The pancreas is an abdominal organ located behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin which regulates blood sugar levels.

Pancreatic cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas start to grow and divide uncontrollably. The symptoms of pancreatic cancer may not present themselves until the disease has progressed to a late stage.

Risk Factors

Although the exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown, there are some known risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease:.

Age: The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over the age of 60.
Smoking: Research suggests that smoking cigarettes is a significant risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
Family History: A family history of pancreatic cancer may increase an individual’s risk.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatitis: Chronic inflammation of the pancreas may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect and may include:.

Jaundice
Abdominal pain
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Change in bowel movements
Back pain

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pancreatic cancer can be challenging due to the location of the pancreas and the lack of specific symptoms. Some testing that may be done includes:.

Imaging tests: such as CT scans and MRIs
Endoscopic ultrasound
Blood tests
Biopsy: Taking a sample of tissue from the pancreas to test for cancer cells

Treatment

There are several treatment options available for pancreatic cancer, but the most appropriate depends on the individual case and stage of cancer:.

Surgery- Depending on the location and stage of the cancer, surgery may be an option to remove the tumor or part of the pancreas.
Radiation- High-energy radiation can be used to kill cancer cells, used in combination with other treatments.
Chemotherapy- Drugs designed to kill cancer cells. Often used alongside surgery or radiation.
Immunotherapy- Treatments that help the body’s immune system fight cancer cells.

Prevention & Early Detection

While the exact cause of pancreas cancer is unknown, there are some steps individuals can take to reduce their risk:.

Avoid smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products
Maintain a healthy weight
Follow a healthy diet
Exercise regularly
Get regular check-ups and cancer screenings
Pay attention to symptoms and seek medical advice if needed

Conclusion

Pancreatic cancer is a serious disease that requires greater awareness and information to improve early detection and treatment outcomes.

While there are still gaps in understanding this disease, taking preventative measures and consulting with a medical professional if experiencing symptoms can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes. While pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, there is hope for improved survival rates through greater awareness and early detection.