Warning Signs and Survival Rates Of Pancreatic Cancer

What Is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the pancreas, which is a gland located behind the stomach. The pancreas is responsible for producing enzymes that help with digestion and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.

Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a mass or tumor. Over time, these cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, a network of vessels and nodes that helps to fight infections.

What is Survival Rates Of Pancreatic Cancer?

The 5-year relative survival rate for localized pancreatic cancer (cancer that has not spread outside the pancreas) is around 37%.
The 5-year relative survival rate for pancreatic cancer that has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes is around 12%.
The 5-year relative survival rate for pancreatic cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body is around 3%.

What is Statistics About Pancreatic Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 60,430 people in the United States will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021, and about 48,220 people will die from the disease.
Pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the United States and about 7% of all cancer deaths.
The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age, and most people diagnosed with the disease are over the age of 65.
Men are slightly more likely than women to develop pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is more common in people who smoke, are obese, have a family history of pancreatic cancer or have certain genetic mutations, such as those associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome.
Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body.
Despite advances in treatment, the overall survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains relatively low, with a 5-year relative survival rate of about 10%.
In the United States, pancreatic cancer is the 10th most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and the 9th most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
The median age at diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is 70 years old.
The 5-year relative survival rate for pancreatic cancer has increased slightly over time, from 4.6% in the 1970s to 10% in recent years.
The lifetime risk of developing pancreatic cancer is about 1 in 63 for men and 1 in 65 for women.
The average age at death from pancreatic cancer is 72 years old.
About 25% of people with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed with localized cancer (cancer that has not spread outside the pancreas), while about 52% are diagnosed with cancer that has already spread to distant parts of the body.
The incidence of pancreatic cancer varies by race and ethnicity, with the highest rates among African Americans and the lowest rates among Asian Americans.
People who smoke cigarettes are about twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as non-smokers.
Obesity and a diet high in red meat and saturated fats may also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Family history of pancreatic cancer, particularly among first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children), is associated with an increased risk of the disease.
Inherited genetic mutations, such as those associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome and Lynch syndrome, also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

What is Causes of Pancreatic Cancer?

Age: The risk of pancreatic cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over the age of 65. The average age at diagnosis is 70.
Family History: Having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) with pancreatic cancer increases a person’s risk of developing the disease. Inherited genetic mutations, such as those associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, Lynch syndrome and familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome, are also linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. People with a family history of pancreatic cancer should talk to their doctor about genetic testing and screening options.
Smoking: Cigarette smoking is the most well-established risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Smokers are about twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as non-smokers. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking.
Obesity: People who are overweight or obese (having a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher) are at a slightly higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The excess fat tissue may cause inflammation, which can contribute to the development of cancer.
Diabetes: There is some evidence to suggest that people with long-standing diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The exact relationship between the two conditions is not fully understood but it is thought that high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance may play a role.
Chronic Pancreatitis: Chronic inflammation of the pancreas, a condition known as chronic pancreatitis, is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Chronic pancreatitis can be caused by heavy alcohol use, hereditary conditions and other factors.
Occupational Exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals and substances in the workplace, such as pesticides, dyes and metalworking fluids, may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Workers in industries such as agriculture, construction and manufacturing may be at higher risk.

What is Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?

Abdominal Pain: The pain caused by pancreatic cancer is often described as a dull ache that may worsen after eating or lying down. It may be felt in the upper abdomen or back and may be accompanied by a feeling of fullness or bloating.
Jaundice: Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a waste product produced by the liver. When pancreatic cancer blocks the bile ducts, bilirubin builds up in the blood, leading to jaundice. Other symptoms of jaundice may include dark urine and pale stools.
Unintended Weight Loss: Many people with pancreatic cancer experience unintended weight loss, even if they are eating normally. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in appetite, the cancer’s effect on the body’s metabolism and digestive problems.
Nausea And Vomiting: Pancreatic cancer can cause nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. These symptoms may be caused by the cancer itself or by the treatment used to manage the disease.
Fatigue: Fatigue, weakness and a general feeling of being unwell are common symptoms of pancreatic cancer. These symptoms may be caused by the cancer’s effect on the body’s metabolism, the body’s immune response to the cancer, or the emotional toll of living with a serious illness.
New-onset Diabetes: In some cases, pancreatic cancer can cause new-onset diabetes or make existing diabetes worse. This is thought to be caused by the cancer’s effect on the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Blood Clots: Pancreatic cancer can increase the risk of developing blood clots, which can cause swelling, pain and warmth in the affected area. Blood clots may also cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms.

How to Diagnose And Detect Pancreatic Cancer?

Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRI and PET scans can all provide detailed images of the pancreas and surrounding tissues to identify any abnormalities. CT scans use x-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body while MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images. PET scans use a radioactive tracer to show how tissues and organs are functioning.
Endoscopic Ultrasound: This procedure involves inserting an endoscope, which is a flexible tube with an ultrasound probe on the end, into the mouth and down into the stomach to obtain detailed images of the pancreas. This can help identify any tumors or other abnormalities.
Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a sample of tissue from the pancreas for examination under a microscope. This can be done using a needle inserted through the skin or during an endoscopic procedure. A biopsy can confirm the presence of cancer and determine the type of cancer present.
Blood Tests: Blood tests can help detect elevated levels of certain proteins that may indicate the presence of pancreatic cancer. The CA 19-9 test is a common blood test used to detect pancreatic cancer, although it is not always accurate and can give false-positive or false-negative results.
Staging Tests: Staging tests are used to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. These tests may include additional imaging tests, such as CT or PET scans, as well as tests to check the liver, lungs, and other organs for signs of cancer.
Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that involves inserting a small, lighted tube with a camera into the abdomen to view the pancreas and other organs. This can help identify any tumors or other abnormalities and may be used to biopsy the pancreas or other organs if necessary.

What is Treatment Options Of Pancreatic Cancer?

Surgery: Surgery is the only potentially curative option for pancreatic cancer. The most common surgical procedure for pancreatic cancer is called a Whipple procedure, which involves removing the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, a portion of the stomach and the duodenum. In some cases, a distal pancreatectomy may be performed, which involves removing the tail and body of the pancreas. Surgery can be a complex and risky procedure, particularly for older patients or those with other health problems.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is often used in combination with chemotherapy or surgery to help shrink the tumor and reduce the risk of recurrence. External beam radiation therapy is the most common type of radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer and involves directing high-energy X-rays at the tumor from outside the body. Other types of radiation therapy, such as brachytherapy (internal radiation) or proton therapy, may also be used in certain cases.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs can be given orally or intravenously to help kill cancer cells throughout the body. The most common chemotherapy drugs used to treat pancreatic cancer include gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and oxaliplatin. Combination chemotherapy regimens may also be used, which may include two or more drugs given in alternating cycles.
Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs are designed to target specific molecular pathways that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. The most common targeted therapy drugs used to treat pancreatic cancer include erlotinib, which targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and nab-paclitaxel, which targets the stromal cells that surround the tumor.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. The most common type of immunotherapy used to treat pancreatic cancer is checkpoint inhibitors, which block proteins on the surface of cancer cells that help them evade detection by the immune system.
Palliative Care: Palliative care is an important part of the treatment plan for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The goal of palliative care is to provide relief from the symptoms and improve quality of life for patients and their families. This may include pain management, nutritional support and other therapies to manage symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or fatigue.

Advice Against Pancreatic Cancer

Stop Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It’s estimated that smokers are two to three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than non-smokers. Quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Even if you’ve smoked for many years, quitting can still reduce your risk.
Maintain A Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of pancreatic cancer, especially in women. Research suggests that people who are overweight or obese are about 20% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than people who are a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce your risk.
Limit Alcohol Intake: Heavy alcohol consumption is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. The more you drink, the higher your risk. The American Cancer Society recommends that men limit their alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day and women limit their intake to no more than one drink per day.
Eat A Healthy Diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins may help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer. On the other hand, a diet high in red and processed meats, saturated and trans fats and sugars may increase your risk. Some studies have also suggested that a diet high in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, may help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Manage Diabetes: Diabetes is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. People with type 2 diabetes are about twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as people without diabetes. If you have diabetes, managing your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise and medication can help reduce your risk.
Get Regular Check-Ups: Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help detect pancreatic cancer early when it’s more treatable. If you have any symptoms or concerns, such as abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), it’s important to discuss them with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend tests such as an abdominal CT scan, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound to check for pancreatic cancer.