The pancreas is a crucial organ located behind the stomach, responsible for producing digestive enzymes and regulating blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The most common form of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, is highly aggressive and tends to spread early to other parts of the body.

Unlike some cancers, which can cause visible lumps or pain, pancreatic cancer doesn’t usually cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This is part of what makes it so dangerous—by the time symptoms appear, the cancer is often in an advanced, hard-to-treat stage.

Prevalence of pancreatic cancer –

Pancreatic cancer affects both men and women, although it is slightly more common in men. It is rare in people under the age of 40, but the risk increases significantly after age 60.

Approximately 500,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed globally each year.

Mortality: Pancreatic cancer is expected to cause around 466,000 deaths annually. It has one of the highest mortality rates among cancers, with a 5-year survival rate of around 10%.

According to the American Cancer Society and World Health Organization (WHO), pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer worldwide, but it ranks as the 7th leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The global 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is only around 10%, which reflects the difficulty in diagnosing and treating the disease in its early stages.

Common contributors to Pancreatic Cancer:

While the exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not fully understood, certain factors increase the risk of developing it. These include:

• Age: The risk increases with age, and most cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 60.
• Smoking: Smoking is one of the biggest contributors to pancreatic cancer, accounting for 20-30% of cases.
• Family History: A family history of pancreatic cancer or inherited genetic mutations increases the risk.
• Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions like type 2 diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, and obesity are linked to a higher risk.
• Diet and Lifestyle: A diet high in red meats, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer.

While these factors can increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer, it’s important to note that the disease can occur in people with no known risk factors as well.

Why Pancreatic Cancer Is Called the “Silent Cancer”

Pancreatic cancer is often called the “silent cancer” because it typically grows without causing noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This makes it difficult to detect and diagnose early. Here’s why:

1. Lack of Early Symptoms

In the early stages of pancreatic cancer, there are often no symptoms, or the symptoms are mild and non-specific. This can include vague signs like fatigue, slight discomfort, or weight loss, which can be easily mistaken for other, less serious conditions. The pancreas, being deep inside the abdomen, also doesn’t cause pain until the tumor grows large enough to affect surrounding tissues.

2. Symptoms Are Often Misinterpreted

When symptoms do appear, they tend to be general or non-specific, making them easy to overlook or misdiagnose. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• Digestive issues like nausea and vomiting
• New-onset diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes

Since these symptoms can occur with a wide range of illnesses, doctors may not immediately suspect pancreatic cancer. This delayed diagnosis contributes to the high mortality rate associated with the disease.

3. Rapid Progression

Pancreatic cancer is known for its aggressive nature. By the time noticeable symptoms develop, the cancer is often already in an advanced stage and has spread to other organs. This rapid progression makes it more difficult to treat and contributes to the disease’s relatively low survival rate.

How Pancreatic Cancer Surfaces: Recognizing the Signs

While it’s difficult to detect pancreatic cancer in its early stages, it’s still important to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may surface later. If you notice any of the following, it’s important to consult a doctor:

• Jaundice: This is when the skin and eyes turn yellow due to a blockage in the bile duct caused by the tumor.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying, often accompanied by a loss of appetite, is a common sign of pancreatic cancer.
• Abdominal or Back Pain: Pain may occur as the tumor presses against surrounding organs, nerves, or tissues.
• Digestive Issues: Difficulty eating, nausea, or vomiting can occur as the cancer affects the pancreas’ ability to produce digestive enzymes.
• New-Onset Diabetes: Pancreatic cancer can disrupt insulin production, leading to new or worsening diabetes symptoms.

These symptoms should be taken seriously, especially if they persist or worsen over time.

Practical Steps to Prevent and Detect Pancreatic Cancer

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatic cancer, there are several lifestyle changes and actions one can take to reduce your risk or improve early detection:

1. Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for pancreatic cancer. If you smoke, quitting can significantly reduce your risk of developing the disease.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods, red meats, and sugary snacks can help keep your pancreas healthy.

3. Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity helps to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity, which is a significant risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

4. Control Diabetes

If you have diabetes, managing your blood sugar levels is crucial. High blood sugar levels can increase your risk of developing pancreatic cancer, so it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice on managing the condition through diet, exercise, and medication.

5. Know Your Family History

If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer or certain inherited genetic conditions, you may be at higher risk. In such cases, speak with your doctor about screening options and ways to monitor your health more closely.

Exercise Protocols for People with Pancreatic Cancer:

Exercise for patients with pancreatic cancer should be approached with caution, and it’s crucial to tailor it to individual needs, current physical status, and treatment stage. Exercise can help improve physical function, manage fatigue, reduce anxiety, and support overall quality of life. Below are general guidelines for exercises that may be suitable:

Aerobic Exercise:

• Walking: A low-impact exercise that can be easily adjusted for intensity. Aim for 10-30 minutes a day, depending on stamina. Start slow and increase gradually.
• Cycling (stationary or on a recumbent bike): Can improve cardiovascular health and leg strength. Begin with 5-10 minutes and work up.
• Swimming: If tolerated, swimming can be very gentle on the joints and can improve cardiovascular fitness and overall endurance.

Strength Training:

• Resistance bands or light free weights: Strengthening exercises can help preserve muscle mass, which is often lost in cancer patients due to both the disease and treatments like chemotherapy. A medical supervision or permission should be taken.
• Rest for 1-2 minutes between sets and avoid overexertion.

Flexibility and Balance:

• Stretching: Stretching the major muscle groups can help reduce stiffness and improve mobility. Incorporate gentle stretches daily.

 

Early Awareness Can Save Lives

While pancreatic cancer may be a silent killer, we don’t have to stay silent about it. By understanding the risk factors, recognizing the symptoms, and making healthier lifestyle choices, we can improve early detection and reduce the likelihood of developing this devastating disease.

 

References:

1. American Cancer Society (ACS). (2023). Pancreatic Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer.html
2. World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Cancer Fact Sheets: Pancreatic Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). (2023). Pancreatic Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/pancreatic/patient
4. Cancer Research UK. (2022). Pancreatic Cancer Statistics. Retrieved from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/pancreatic-cancer/statistics
5. National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2023). Pancreatic Cancer – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Retrieved from: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/pancreatic-cancer
6. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). (2023). Pancreatic Cancer: Global Perspectives on the Disease. Retrieved from: https://www.aacr.org/research/pancreatic-cancer/

Global Cancer Observatory (GCO). (2020). Pancreatic Cancer Statistics. Retrieved from: https://gco.iarc.fr/