WHAT IS PANCREATIC CANCER?

What is pancreatic cancer? 

The pancreas is located in the abdomen, between the stomach and the spine. The pancreas' main function is to support digestion and hormones that attempt to regulate blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer is when a tumor forms on the pancreas. This is often caused by changes in DNA and abnormal cells growing and dividing out of control to form the tumor. 

What puts someone at a higher risk of getting pancreatic cancer?

  • Genetics - About 10% of cases are considered hereditary, meaning there was a family gene inherited 
  • Being over 60 years old
  • Obesity 
  • Having diabetes for a lengthy amount of time
  • Smoking
  • Ethnicity/Race - Black Americans and Ashkenazi Jews have a higher incidence
  • Gender - Males have a slightly higher risk

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer? 

  • Back and/or abdomen pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Changes in stool (often unable to often) 
  • Jaundice (yellow eyes and/or skin)
  • Nausea
  • Unexplained and/or extreme weight loss 
  • Pancreatitis 
  • Recent diabetes diagnosis 
  • Fatigue, weakness and depression 

Due to the location of the pancreas and lack of standard detection testing, it is extremely hard to detect pancreatic cancer early. Imaging studies are needed to be able to detect pancreatic cancer. CT scans, MRIs and endoscopic ultrasounds can be used. 

Pancreatic cancer is often found in later stages, making it hard to treat. This is why we advocate for research that will hopefully give us ways to detect it earlier. We also advocate for research that will bring better treatment options. 

As of March 2024, the 5-year survival rate is ONLY 13%. This is not enough. 

 

**Information shared is from PanCan.org in March of 2024. We recommend visiting their website for additional information. The content on this website is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and/or treatment