Pancreatic cancer statistics are frightening - the Canadian Cancer Society reports there were 3,500 new cases in 2006 and 3,400 deaths. Only one in 10 who get the disease survive five years.
The pancreas is a glandular organ that lies under the stomach and it produces enzymes that help you digest food. It also produces insulin, which helps to control your blood sugar.
Unfortunately, by the time symptoms of the illness appear, including jaundice, or a yellowing of the skin, abdominal pain, or sudden weight loss, it's too late. When a patient feels pain, that's often a sign that a tumour is pressing down on nerves or other tissues.
But there are some developments providing hope for those with the disease and their families that could make this form of cancer more manageable.
"Combinations of chemotherapy and radiotherapy with surgery, either before surgery or after surgery, seem to be giving somewhat better results," Dr. Chris Coburn, a general surgeon with the Trillium Health Centre explained.
Genetic research and a vaccine are also in the works, but right now the only way to cure pancreatic cancer is through surgery and the key is early detection.
What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
It's one of the most serious cancers, which starts when cancerous cells develop in your pancreas - an organ that lies below your stomach.
The pancreas produces enzymes that help you digest food. Pancreatic cancer spreads quickly and can affect surrounding organs, including the small intestine and the liver.
What Are The Symptoms?
Unfortunately, the signs of pancreatic cancer don't often appear until the disease is well advanced. When they do appear, they can include:
- Abdominal Pain: It may radiate to your middle or upper back
- Jaundice
- Loss Of Appetite And Weight Loss
- Severe Itching
- Nausea And Vomiting
- Constipation
- Early Feeling Of Fullness Soon After Starting Eating
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Belching And Hiccups
- General Weakness
What Are The Risk Factors?
Smoking: If you smoke, you're two to three times more likely to get pancreatic cancer.
Gender: Men tend to develop pancreatic cancer more than women
Obesity
A diet that is low in fruits, vegetables and fibre
A family history of cancer
Workplace exposure to gasoline manufacturing processes
Prevention
- Quit Smoking
- Eat More Fruits and Veggies
- Get Physically Active And Maintain A Healthy Body Weight
- Decrease Your Alcohol Intake
Information courtesy of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Mayo Clinic.
For more information on pancreatic cancer, visit the following websites:
The Canadian Cancer Society
The Mayo Clinic