PANCREATIC CANCER

Key Points

• Often diagnosed at a late stage due to vague or absent early symptoms.
  
• Treatment options are more limited and less successful than for many other cancers.
  
• Research is focused on early detection methods and more targeted therapies. 

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

To start with, let us talk about the pancreas.[1] The pancreas is a large gland that is located in the abdomen behind the stomach. It’s major function is the production of Insulin from the Islets of Langerhans. It also produces digestive juices that aid digestion.

Pancreatic cancer is the formation and growth of cancerous cells in the Pancreas. Pancreatic cancer begins when cells in the pancreas, a vital organ behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin grow uncontrollably. It is a significant health issue because it is often called a “silent” disease; symptoms frequently don’t appear until the cancer is advanced and has spread, making it one of the more challenging cancers to treat effectively.

What are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?

The symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer include:  unexplainable fatigue, weight loss, increased liver or gall bladder, dark urine, jaundice, and abdominal pain in the belly or back. [8]

Factors that put people at Risk

While the exact cause is unknown, several factors increase risk:

Smoking

 Smoking is a major contributor to most cancers. Smoking a pack of cigarettes or more everyday increases the risk of Pancreatic Cancer by five or six fold.[2] Almost a quarter of deaths resulting from Pancreatic Cancer are linked to using Tobacco.[3] To reduce your risk of Pancreatic cancer or cancer in general, avoid smoking. 

Genetics

Most cancers have a genetic component to them and so a history of pancreatic cancer makes you more likely to have it. This risk is much higher if you are a first degree relative of the person who had it. It is very important to go for genetic testing to know your risk. [4] The prevalence of pancreatic cancer is also more among Black and Hispanic people.[5]

Age

Age is an established risk factor for cancer. Most patients are older than 45 with a vast majority above 60 when diagnosed. The age of occurrence is also higher when other risk factors such as family history, smoking and alcohol abuse are present. [6]

Chronic Conditions

Long-standing diabetes and chronic pancreatitis are also contributing factors to pancreatic cancer. 
·

Obesity

Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Obesity increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by 50-60%. Obesity aids pancreatic cancer through inflammation, insulin resistance, cytokines(cell division)[7]

Precautions to Take

You can’t eliminate risk, but you can reduce it:

· Don’t Smoke: This is the single most important action you can take. Smoking increases the risk of most cancers. In addition, it increases the risks of other diseases like hypertension and several respiratory conditions.  Furthermore, reduce alcohol intake. 
· Maintain a Healthy Weight: Through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Avoid foods that are very fatty or contain high cholesterol. Make time to exercise even if you are busy. Even waking for 30 minutes every day would be good for your health.
· Choose a Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  Reduce your intake of red meat and increase your intake of green vegetables. Red meat has been associated with an increased risk of most cancers. 

 

Treatment

 Treatment involves a variety of options. It depends on the stage at which the cancer is discovered. The options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, chemoradiation therapy and targeted therapy. There is also pain relief treatment to help with the pain.[9]

Conclusion

Pancreatic cancer remains a formidable opponent, but awareness of the risk factors empowers proactive steps. Leading a healthy lifestyle and discussing family history with a doctor are the best current strategies for risk reduction. Ongoing research continues to bring hope for better detection and treatment.

If you are experiencing the symptoms, it is advisable to speak to a doctor right away. Luckily, you can consult a doctor with DoctorOnTap. If you would need to travel for a surgery, then DoctorOnTap provides facilities for medical tourism, we also provide support before, during, and after the surgery. When you get back home, you can also hire a caregiver through DoctorOnTap.

Further Reading

Bladder Cancer is one of the less common cancers and most people don’t know much about it. If you want to learn about it, then read BLADDER CANCER

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can include jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes), belly or back pain, weight loss, and new-onset diabetes.

Is pancreatic cancer hereditary?

Most cases are not, but about 10% of cases run in families.

What is the survival rate?

It has a lower survival rate than many cancers, largely because it’s often found late. However, rates are improving.

References

1. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Pancreas. National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/pancreas

2. Pour, P. M., & Pandey, K. K. (2014). What is the origin of pancreatic cancer? Molecular Carcinogenesis, 53(9), 857–867. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3956306

3. Maisonneuve, P., & Lowenfels, A. B. (2012). Epidemiology of pancreatic cancer: An update. Digestive Diseases, 28(4–5), 645–656. https://karger.com/ddi/article-abstract/28/4-5/645/102899/Epidemiology-of-Pancreatic-Cancer-An-Update?redirectedFrom=fulltext

4. Warshaw, A. L., & Fernandez-del Castillo, C. (1986). Pancreatic carcinoma. New England Journal of Medicine, 315(16), 1000–1007. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3455742/

5. Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. (n.d.). Genetic and hereditary risk factors for pancreatic cancer. https://pancan.org/facing-pancreatic-cancer/about-pancreatic-cancer/risk-factors/genetic-hereditary/

6. American Cancer Society. (2024). Pancreatic cancer risk factors. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pancreatic-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html

7. McGuigan, A., Kelly, P., Turkington, R. C., Jones, C., Coleman, H. G., & McCain, R. S. (2018). Pancreatic cancer: A review of clinical diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment and outcomes. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 24(43), 4846–4861. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6018023/

8. American Cancer Society. (2024). Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pancreatic-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html

9. PDQ® Adult Treatment Editorial Board. Pancreatic Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Updated May 16, 2025. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/pancreatic/patient/pancreatic-treatment-pdq