Pancreatic cancer is a condition where pancreatic cells grow out of control and become an actual tumor. With a 5-year survival rate of just 10%, it’s the most dangerous type of cancer. This article will cover the factors that cause it, the symptoms treatment options, and ways to minimize your risk of developing pancreatic cancer in this piece.
Causes
The reason for pancreatic disease is not known at the moment, several risk factors have been identified. The most important risk factor is smoking. Smokers are between two and three times more likely than non-smokers develop pancreatic cancer. Other risk factors are being older, having a the history of family members with pancreatic cancer as well as overweight, chronic pancreatitis as well as certain genetic mutations.
Signs
Pancreatic cancer often does not produce any symptoms in its initial stages, which makes it difficult to recognize. The symptoms of pancreatic carcinoma will get more severe as the tumor grows.
Abdominal pain radiating to the back
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Jaundice is a yellowing of the eyes and skin.
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
This type of symptom should be reported to your physician immediately. Early detection is key to effective treatment.
Diagnosis
A variety of tests may be ordered by your doctor should they think you have pancreatic cancer. There may be imaging tests, like CT scans and MRI scans. You may also require an examination to obtain small amounts of tissue for analysis.
Treatment
The stage and the location of pancreatic cancer with the patient’s overall health, will determine the treatment options. There are three primary treatment options for pancreatic cancer: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Surgery is the primary treatment for pancreatic cancer, especially if the cancer is located in the pancreas’s head. Surgery is designed to remove the cancerous tumor along with the surrounding tissue. If the tumor is within the body or in the tail of the pancreas, then surgery is not always possible.
Chemotherapy is the use of chemotherapy drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is often used in conjunction with radiation therapy or surgery. Chemotherapy can be administered intravenously or by mouth. It can trigger nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.
Radiation therapy is a highly-energy radiation therapy that kills cancer cells. Radiation therapy is used in conjunction with chemotherapy or surgical procedures. Radiation therapy can cause irritation of the skin, nausea fatigue, and other adverse consequences.
Reducing your risk
There is no way to eliminate pancreatic cancer. However, there are ways you can take to will decrease your risk. They include:
Quitting smoking: If use tobacco, quitting is the most important thing you could do to decrease the chances of getting pancreatic cancer.
A healthy weight is important to decrease the chance of developing pancreatic cancer.
Make sure you eat a healthy and balanced diet. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can lower your chances of getting pancreatic cancer.
Limiting drinking alcohol
Treatment of chronic illnesses It is possible to decrease your risk by consulting with your physician in the event that you suffer from pancreatitis or diabetes.
The pancreatic cancer is an extremely serious cancer that requires early detection and intensive treatment. See a doctor immediately if you are experiencing any symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer. Being aware of the risk factors and taking measures that reduce your risk can assist you in taking control of your health, and decrease your chance of getting this disease.
For more information, click pancreatic cancer research fund
