Pancreatic cancer

 

 

The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach that produces juices that help break down food and the hormones that help control blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer is characterized by a cancerous growth in the pancreas which usually begins in the cells that produce the juices.

 

 

Some risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer include:

1. Smoking

2. Long-term diabetes

3. Chronic pancreatitis

4. Certain hereditary disorders

 

 

Pancreatic cancer is hard to catch early. It doesn't cause symptoms right away. When you do get symptoms, they are often vague or you may not notice them. Common signs are:

1. Yellowing of the skin and eyes

2. Pain in the abdomen and back

3. Weight loss

4. Fatigue

 

 

Your doctor may ask you to get examinations done which includes:

1. Physical exam

2. Blood tests

3. Imaging tests

4. Biopsy

As it is often found late and it spreads quickly, pancreatic cancer can be hard to treat.

 

 

Treatments include:

1. Surgery

2. Radiation

3. Chemotherapy

4. Targeted therapy which uses substances that attack cancer cells without harming normal cells