Pancreatic cancer awareness is essential to improving survival rates and outcomes.
VERIFIED By: Dr Pavan K Addala, Sr. Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterology and GI Oncology
Written by Tavishi Dogra |Updated : January 6, 2025 11:10 AM IST
Doctors encounter various patient concerns and symptoms daily, each requiring unique attention and approach. From jaundice and uncontrolled blood sugars to cancer concerns, each scenario highlights the importance of patient education and awareness is dedicated to increasing awareness not only about cancer in general but also specifically about pancreatic cancer. This condition is often diagnosed late, given its subtle and aggressive symptoms.
What Is The Pancreas, And Why Is It Important?
The pancreas is a small but vital function:
- Digestive Support: The pancreas produces enzymes that help break down food in the digestive tract.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: It produces hormones, including insulin, which help maintain blood sugar levels.
Like any other organ, the pancreas can develop tumours. However, not all tumours are cancerous, and pancreatic cancer has an aggressive nature and late diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer may be less common than other cancers. Still, it is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a survival rate of just 10%-15% over five years after diagnosis.
Recognizing Pancreatic Cancer: Key Symptoms To Watch For
Pancreatic cancer symptoms are often vague and may go unnoticed until the disease progresses. Some warning signs include:
- Abdominal or mid-to-upper back pain
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Unusual stool changes oily, pale, or floating stools
- New or difficult-to-control diabetes, particularly in those without a family history.
Risk Factors For Pancreatic Cancer
- Medical History: Long-standing diabetes, chronic or hereditary pancreatitis, and specific genetic conditions.
- Family History: Up to 10% of pancreatic cancers are hereditary, and there is a family history of the disease.
The Importance Of Early Detection
Most cases are inoperable by the time they are diagnosed. Regular clinical evaluations and diagnostic tests are advised for those with high-risk factors.
Diagnosis may involve a combination of the following:
- Medical history review and physical examination
- Blood tests, imaging (such as CECT or MRI), and biopsy
- Endoscopy or ERCP in cases of jaundice
These methods help confirm the presence of cancer, stage the disease, and determine the best treatment approach.
Treatment Options For Pancreatic Cancer
Treatment depends on the cancer’s stage and may include:
- Surgery: Procedures like the Whipple surgery or pancreatectomy.
- Chemotherapy and Radiation: These may be used alone or in combination with surgery.
- Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: These advanced treatments boost the immune system’s response to cancer.
- Palliative Care: For cases where the cancer has spread, palliative care focuses on providing comfort and quality of life.
Protect your future stay aware, get screened, and make healthy lifestyle choices.
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