The Deadly Characteristics of Pancreatic Cancer and How to Recognize It: Important Information for Your Health

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most dangerous forms of cancer. The five-year survival rate is only 8%. This is due to a number of factors:

• The tumor often grows quickly and has already spread by the time of diagnosis. In more than half of the patients, there are already metastases to the liver, lungs or other organs at the time of diagnosis.
• The tumor is difficult to operate on. The pancreas is located in a deep area in the abdomen, making it difficult to completely remove the tumor.
• There are currently no effective treatments for metastatic pancreatic cancer. Current treatments can slow the growth of the tumor, but cannot cure the tumor.

The symptoms of pancreatic cancer are often vague and may be caused by other conditions. The most common symptoms are:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Pain in the abdomen, back or shoulder
• Change in stool
• Jaundice
• Diabetes

If you have one or more of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor. Your GP can examine you and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist.

There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. These factors are:

• Age. Pancreatic cancer is more common in middle-aged and older people.
• Smoking. Smoking increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by about 20%.
• Overweight. Being overweight increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by about 20%.
• Diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by about 50%.
• Family history. If you have family members with pancreatic cancer, you are also at increased risk.

There are no proven ways to prevent pancreatic cancer. It is important to avoid risk factors such as smoking, obesity and diabetes.

Bron(nen): HLN