November 19 is observed as World Pancreatic Cancer Day. This day is marked to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer, which is one of the deadliest cancers.

Pancreatic cancer is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it doesn’t show any early symptoms, and by the time it is diagnosed, it’s usually too late. Here are some facts about pancreatic cancer that everyone should know.

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

The pancreas is a glandular organ that is located behind the stomach in the abdomen.

The pancreas has two primary functions; firstly, it releases digestive enzymes into the small intestine to help break down food, and secondly, it produces hormones such as insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas grow out of control. It can spread rapidly to other parts of the body if not detected early.

What are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is often called the “silent killer” because it doesn’t show early symptoms. However, some common symptoms that may appear in the later stages of the disease include:.

Abdominal or back pain
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Appetite loss
Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Who is at Risk of Pancreatic Cancer?

While the exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not known, there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing this disease, such as:.

Age: Pancreatic cancer is more common in people over the age of 60.
Smoking: Smokers are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than non-smokers.
Obesity: People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Family history: People who have a family history of pancreatic cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Diabetes: People who have diabetes have a slightly higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

How is Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed?

Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed through a combination of tests, including:.

Blood tests: These tests can detect elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, which may indicate pancreatic cancer.
Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds can help doctors see inside the body to check for signs of tumors.
Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from the pancreas and examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

What are the Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer?

The treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer. Common treatment options include:.

Surgery: Surgery may be recommended for tumors that are confined to the pancreas.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.

What is the Prognosis for Pancreatic Cancer?

The prognosis for pancreatic cancer is generally poor.

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is around 10%, and the average survival time for someone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is around 6 months.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk of Pancreatic Cancer?

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

Stop smoking: If you smoke, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise may help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Get screened: If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer or other risk factors, talk to your doctor about getting screened for the disease.

Conclusion

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease that is often called the “silent killer” because it doesn’t show early symptoms.

While there is no surefire way to prevent pancreatic cancer, taking steps to reduce your risk like quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting screened can help. On World Pancreatic Cancer Day, let us raise awareness about pancreatic cancer and work towards finding better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat this disease.