What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic Cancer

Possible Issues and Causes

According to the American Cancer Society, Pancreatic Cancer is the number “4” cancer killer in the US and the only one of the four that does not have a known cure. The lack of early detection methods and research continues to slow progress towards a cure. There is no known cure for this deadly disease and over 42,400 people – 116 + per day are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year. In the last 5 years more than 210,000 people have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and over 92% of those individuals have passed away during the first year of their diagnosis. While only 5% of those living past the first year live to the fifth year and 3% of those will succumb to the disease sometime beyond that point. Pancreatic Cancer is one of the few cancers for which survival has not improved substantially over the last 25 years. Those that make it past the first year have been known to live significantly longer today than those diagnosed before 2006.

There is no known specific cause of Pancreatic Cancer and it is very difficult to diagnose and detect in its early stage. While it does not necessarily attack a specific age group patients in recent years have ranged from 19 – 85 that are afflicted with pancreatic cancer. Previous research of pancreatic cancer patients put the percentages of patients at the older end but in the last couple of years that has changed dramatically while changing the age range significantly. People who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer even at an early stage face a significant risk of recurrence and early death.

Symptoms: signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer vary and sometimes do not occur until the disease is in an advanced stage. That is why it is so difficult to diagnose and detect.

The signs and symptoms may include:

Upper abdominal pain
Lower back pain
Yellowing of skin and whites of eyes
Loss of appetite
Significant loss of weight in the first 30 -60 days
Depression
Digestive issues
Itching

Risk Factors: Some risk factors may increase your risk of pancreatic cancer but are not necessarily a risk factor for everyone:

Second hand smoke
Smoking
Family history of pancreatic cancer
Ethnic group – highest probability listed first

Significant risk for African Americans – 52%
Caucasian – 37%
Hispanic – 10%
Asian/Pacific Island/American Indian/Alaskan Native -1%

Weight (it has been shown that part of the weight problem stems from the pancreas being infected).

Tests and diagnosis: According to researchers studying ways to detect pancreatic cancer early detection methods are still difficult. However, it is still not clear who should undergo screening and which screening tests are most reliable to detect pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages. Currently there is NO SET STANDARD screening for pancreatic cancer. Every pancreatic cancer patient is unique in this area.

Please always contact your local cancer care center for further information regarding your specific form of pancreatic cancer.

Note: The American Cancer Society leads the nation in the advocacy and addressing human needs and subsistence for patients diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and supportive services for family members and raising funds for Research. The DeSean Jackson Foundation commends the American Cancer Society for raising awareness to Pancreatic Cancer and advocating for research, support and dignity of those afflicted with Pancreatic Cancer.