Pancreatic Cancer

What is Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach. The pancreas has two main functions: to make hormones that help regulate blood sugar levels and to make enzymes that help with digestion.

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Signs & Symptoms

The pancreas is deep inside the body and cancer in this area does not usually cause early symptoms. Some common symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include

Tiredness & Abdominal Pain
Whites of the Eyes (Jaundice)
Yellowing & Itching of the Skin
Loss of Appetite
Diabetes that’s Difficult to Control
Dark Urine and Weight Loss

Types of Pancreatic Cancer

There are several different types of pancreatic cancer, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which is the most common type. Other types of pancreatic cancer include

Neuroendocrine Tumors
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Pancreatic Acinar cell Carcinoma

Causes

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. Smoking and having specific inherited gene mutations are two factors that have been linked to an increased risk of this type of cancer.

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Stages

Risk factors

Smoking
Exposure to toxic endocrine disruptors & chemicals
Being overweight
Being African-American
Having diabetes and or pancreatitis
Being older than 45 years

Prevention, Screening, Diagnosis & Staging

Treatment

Treatment for pancreatic cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

The specific treatment recommended will depend on the stage of the cancer, the type of cancer, and the overall health of the patient.

It is important for people with pancreatic cancer to receive care from a team of healthcare professionals, including a surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist. Supportive care, such as nutrition therapy and pain management, is also important for patients with pancreatic cancer.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it is important to discuss all treatment options with your healthcare team and to consider participating in clinical trials, which are research studies that test new treatments. It is also important to take care of your physical and emotional well-being and to seek support from family and friends.