Pancreatic cancer, also known as the ‘silent killer,’ is one of the most aggressive and lethal types of cancer. The survival rate for pancreatic cancer is low, with only 10% of those diagnosed with this disease surviving for 5 years after diagnosis.

However, there are several ways to increase the survival rate in pancreatic cancer. In this article, we will discuss these ways in detail.

Early Detection

The most important factor to increase the survival rate in pancreatic cancer is early detection. The earlier the detection, the better the chances of survival.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer are often nonspecific and do not appear until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Therefore, it is essential to have routine check-ups and screening tests for early detection. Those who are at high risk, such as those with a family history of pancreatic cancer, are advised to get screened at an earlier age.

Surgery

Surgery is the main treatment for pancreatic cancer, and it provides the best chance for a cure. Surgery involves removing the tumor, along with the surrounding tissue. The type of surgery depends on the location of the tumor.

If the tumor is in the head of the pancreas, a pancreaticoduodenectomy or Whipple procedure is performed. If the tumor is in the body or tail of the pancreas, a distal pancreatectomy is performed. Surgery is most effective if the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is usually used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

Sometimes, chemotherapy is used along with radiation therapy before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is usually used along with chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove.

Radiation therapy is also used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules in cancer cells. These drugs target the molecules that cancer cells need to grow and divide.

Targeted therapy is usually used along with chemotherapy to help make it more effective.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer. Immunotherapy involves the use of drugs that help the immune system identify and attack cancer cells.

Immunotherapy is still being studied for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, but it has shown some promise in early clinical trials.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can also help increase the survival rate in pancreatic cancer. These changes include quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and staying physically active.

These changes can help improve overall health and well-being, which can help the body better tolerate cancer treatments.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are studies that test new treatments for pancreatic cancer. These trials are designed to find new ways to prevent, detect, or treat pancreatic cancer.

Clinical trials are an important part of cancer research and can help increase the survival rate in pancreatic cancer.

Palliative Care

Palliative care is an approach to care that focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, such as pancreatic cancer.

Palliative care can help manage symptoms, such as pain, nausea, and fatigue, and can help patients and their families cope with the emotional and psychological effects of cancer.

Conclusion

Pancreatic cancer is a challenging disease to treat, but there are several ways to increase the survival rate.

Early detection, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, lifestyle changes, clinical trials, and palliative care are all important factors that can help improve the chances of survival.