Pancreatic cancer is a relatively uncommon cancer, accounting for only 3% of cancers. However, it is an aggressive disease with an overall 5-year survival rate (a standard metric when gauging cancer survival rates) that currently stands at only 13%. The primary reason for this low survival rate is that pancreatic cancer often remains undetected until its later stages; as with most cancers, the chances of survival are higher the earlier it is detected and treated.
November is Pancreatic Cancer Month. At Beacon Clinic, we believe this is an ideal time to raise people’s awareness about early symptoms of and risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Because pancreatic cancer exhibits only subtle symptoms and progresses rapidly, helping people to recognize early warning signs and associated risk factors can help promote more timely medical intervention.
Risk Factors
Cancer researchers have identified certain factors that are more common in those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, although there is no definitive cause-effect relationship between these factors and developing pancreatic cancer. However, having one or more of these risk factors should heighten your awareness. The primary risk factors include:
- Age and Gender: Most cases occur in people over 60 years old, and men are slightly more at risk
- Smoking: Tobacco users are two times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer
- Genetic factors: If there is a family history of pancreatic cancer or genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome
- Chronic Conditions: Diabetes and chronic pancreatitis are strongly linked to higher risk
- Obesity and Diet: Excess body weight and an unhealthy diet increase the risk
Early Symptoms
The pancreas is a gland in your abdomen; it produces enzymes and plays a significant role in regulating blood sugar and helping digestion. Pancreatic cancer symptoms are often vague and can easily be mistaken for other common conditions relating to digestion. Some of the signs to watch for include:
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden, unintentional weight loss
- Abdominal Pain: Chronic pain in the upper abdomen radiating to the back
- Jaundice: A cancerous tumor blocking the bile duct can increase levels of bilirubin in the blood and cause skin and the whites of the eyes to appear yellow, darken urine, and lighten stools
- Digestive Issues: Nausea, vomiting, or newly developed diabetes
These symptoms often appear when the cancer has already spread beyond the pancreas, complicating treatment.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Pancreatic cancer often presents in its later stages when treatment options are limited. Given the low five-year survival rate, early detection can be life-saving, as it provides a patient with more treatment options.
Regular screenings are crucial for high-risk individuals, especially those with a family history or underlying health conditions. Diagnostic methods such as imaging tests (CT scans and MRIs), endoscopic ultrasounds, and biopsy procedures can help detect abnormalities in the pancreas before the disease progresses.
Taking Action
Given the severity and aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer, it is vital to act quickly if you or a loved one exhibits potential symptoms. For those already diagnosed, seeking a specialized clinic experienced in assisting patients with cancer care and treatment is crucial for the best possible outcomes.
At Beacon Clinic, we provide comprehensive cancer care, including helping our patients develop personalized treatment plans and supporting patients and their families throughout cancer treatment and recovery. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, reach out to Beacon Clinic today to explore your treatment options and get the support you need on your cancer journey.
