WEDNESDAY, Oct. 30, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Rates of pancreatic cancer are rising in adults under age 50, but many still believe it’s a disease that only affects the elderly, a new survey shows.
People in that age range also say that they would not be able to identify the early signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer, and that there is nothing they can do to reduce their risk.
“Pancreatic cancer rates have increased by about 1 percent annually, and we are seeing this disease in people in their 40s much more regularly,” said researcher Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate, co-leader of the Carcinogenesis Program. and Chemoprevention from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Program. “This is a worrying trend, and one for which research is needed to find out why.”
1,004 people surveyed in early October participated in the survey.
One-third (33 percent) of adults under age 50 believed that only older adults were at risk of developing cancer, survey results showed.
And more than half (53 percent) said they would not recognize the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, the survey found.
About 37 percent said there is nothing they can do to change their risk of pancreatic cancer, which is not true, Cruz-Monserrate said.
To start, losing a few kilos can reduce the risk. Obesity increases a person’s lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer by 20 percent, the researchers noted.
At the same time, only 1 in 10 pancreatic cancers are related to genetics.
“You can’t change your genes, but you can change your lifestyle. For most people, obesity is within someone’s power to change. It also increases a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes, other cancers, and cardiovascular disease. “Cruz-Monserrate said in a university press release.
People can also reduce their risk of pancreatic cancer by reducing or reducing alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, and eating a plant-based diet with limited red or processed meat.
Researchers are looking for ways to detect the early signs of pancreatic cancer, which is known as a “silent killer” because the early symptoms can be vague and difficult to recognize.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include fatigue, physical weakness, jaundice, weight loss, poor appetite and abdominal pain, according to the American Cancer Society.
“Too often, this disease is a silent killer, with no symptoms until it has progressed to less treatable stages. We must continue to aggressively pursue research that will help us prevent, diagnose and treat this disease more effectively,” Cruz-Monserrate said. .
More information
The American Cancer Society has more information about the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
SOURCE: Ohio State University, press release, October 30, 2024
