Pancreatic cancer occurs when pancreatic cells expand out of control and become a tumor. With five-year survival rates of just 10%, it is the most lethal type of cancer. In this article, we’ll look at the causes, the symptoms of the disease, treatment options, as well as ways to reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
The Reasons
Although the causes of pancreatic cancer are not fully understood, a number of risks have been discovered. The most important risk factor is smoking. Smokers are two to three times more likely than non-smokers develop pancreatic cancer. Other risk factors include age, familial history of pancreatic carcinoma and overweight, chronic pancreatitis and certain genetic mutations.
Signs
Pancreatic cancer typically does not cause any symptoms in its initial stages, which makes it difficult to recognize. It can trigger symptoms like:
Abdominal pain radiating into the back
Insomnia and weight reduction
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
It is imperative to seek medical attention as soon as you are experiencing any of these symptoms. The earlier diagnosis is vital to successful treatment.
Diagnosis
If your doctor suspects you are suffering from pancreatic cancer, they could order multiple tests to confirm the diagnosis. You may need to have imaging tests, like CT scans as well as MRI scans, as well as the option of taking a biopsy, which will allow you to collect a small amount of tissue for analysis.
Treatment
The treatment of pancreatic cancer is based on the degree and location of tumor, and also the overall health of the patient. The treatment options available for pancreatic cancer comprise surgery, chemotherapy radiotherapy, various other treatments.
Surgery is the most commonly used treatment for pancreatic cancer especially if the cancer is located within the pancreas’s head. Surgery is designed to remove the cancerous tumor along with the surrounding tissue. Surgery is not always possible when the tumor is situated within the body or in the tail part of the pancreas.
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancerous cells. Chemotherapy is typically used alongside radiation therapy and surgery. You can receive chemotherapy either by mouth or intravenously. The side effects can include nausea vomiting, loss of hair and even death.
Radiation therapy uses high energy radiation to destroy cancerous cells. It is used on its own or as a part of combination treatment and surgery. Radiation therapy can cause irritation to the skin, nausea, fatigue and other side consequences.
Reducing your risk
Although there isn’t any sure method to avoid pancreatic cancer, there’s a variety of steps you can follow to reduce your chance of developing it. These include:
Stop smokingcigarettes: quitting is the most effective way to reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
It is vital to maintain a healthy weight in reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Healthy eating by eating a balanced diet in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains may help lower your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Limiting the consumption of alcohol
Manage chronic conditions If you suffer from a chronic condition such as diabetes or pancreatitis, working with your doctor to control the condition will help lower your chance of contracting.
Pancreatic Cancer is an extremely serious condition that requires aggressive treatment as well as early detection. If you experience any symptoms of pancreatic cancer, then it’s vital to seek out a medical professional as soon as possible. Understanding the risks and taking actions to lower your risk will assist you in taking control of your health and lower the likelihood of getting this disease.
For more information, click pancreatic cancer research fund