Raising Awareness for Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the United States. That’s why we are doing our part to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer this November for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
Although only 3% of all cancers in the United States are pancreatic, it accounts for an estimated 7% of all cancer-related deaths. In 2022 alone, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 62,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and that nearly 50,000 will die from pancreatic cancer this year.
As with many other cancers, survival rates increase significantly with early detection and treatment. Current statistics from the American Cancer Society estimate a 42% five-year survival rate for those diagnosed when the cancer is localized, 14% for regional-stage cancer and 3% for distant-stage cancer.
That is why knowing the risks for pancreatic cancer and the symptoms of the disease are so important.
Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors
While some risk factors like age or family history cannot be changed, there are other risk factors caused by lifestyle choices that can be eliminated or managed to lower your overall risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include:
- Being 45 years of age or older (average age of diagnosis: 70 years old)
- A family history of pancreatic cancer or inherited genetic syndromes associated with pancreatic cancer
- Having chronic or hereditary pancreatitis
- Having diabetes
- Being obese
- Smoking
- Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides, asbestos and petrochemicals
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
For many pancreatic cancer patients, symptoms only begin to occur in the later stages of the disease. However, they do sometimes present earlier. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
- Pain in the abdomen or back
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and/or eyes)
- Dark-colored urine
- Light-colored and/or greasy stool
- Itchy skin
- Ascites (buildup of fluid in the abdomen)
- Enlarged liver or gallbladder
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
- Newly onset diabetes
- Blood clots
Although many of those symptoms could be caused by something else, it is important to schedule a visit to see your doctor promptly if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms.
If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer or genetic syndromes that increase your risk for pancreatic cancer, then speak to your doctor about being screened. While there is no routine screening for pancreatic cancer, imaging tests can be used to detect early stages of the cancer in those with significant hereditary risk.
GastroIntestinal Specialists, A.M.C. is the largest independent gastroenterology group in Northwest Louisiana. Their board-certified physicians have more than 150 years of combined experience in providing quality care that you can trust. To schedule an appointment, please visit www.gis.md or call (318) 631-9121.