Pancreatic Cancer

About Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the pancreas, an organ located in the abdomen

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms may start to appear. Some common synptoms include:

• Abdominal pain: Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen or middle back is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as jaundice, can occur when the tumor blocks the bile ducts
• Unexplained weight loss: Significant and unintended weight loss without changes in diet or exercise can be a sign of pancreatic cancer.
• Digestive problems: Pancreatic cancer can affect digestion and cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and changes in bowel movements.
• Loss of appetite: A decreased desire to eat or a feeling of early satiety can be associated with pancreatic cancer.
• Fatigue: Persistent fatigue or low energy levels, even after getting enough rest.

Treatment

The treatment of pancreatic cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the location of the tumor, the overall health of the patient

• Surgery: Surgery may be an option if the tumor is localized and has not spread to other parts of the body.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs specifically target certain characteristics of cancer cells to inhibit their growth or kill them
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy stimulates the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells
• Clinical Trials: Participation in clinical trials may be an option for some ovarian cancer patients.

Prevention

While the exact causes of pancreatic cancer are not fully understood, there are some measures you can take to potentially reduce your risk or delay the onset of pancreatic cancer.

• Don't smoke or quit smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
• Eat a healthy diet: Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet
• Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake has been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer
• Manage diabetes: People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.