The Problem with Pancreatic Cancer and Why It’s Dangerous

Posted by Hollie Williams on November 22nd, 2019

About 56,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year in the United States.

Pancreatic cancer has a steadily increasing death rate from 2014. Although there has been a slight increase of about 1 percent in the number of people surviving pancreatic cancer, it is ranked third in the country among the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

So why has medicine failed to maintain this?

Pancreatic cancer is not common yet lifestyle is the biggest contributor to why it has caused so many deaths. Smoking, obesity and type 2 diabetes are some of the reasons why.

Early detection is key to survival. Those who survive pancreatic cancer credit early detection as the main factor. Although early detection is good, it can be problematic because of the tumor’s size and location. The pancreas is essential as it secretes enzymes for digestion and insulin that regulates blood sugar. It is also surrounded by the spleen and liver which makes the process even more delicate.

You are not likely to notice the presence of a small tumor, although there are signs you should look for such as nausea and loss of appetite as well as abdominal pain.

Pancreatic cancer spreads fast, so early detection is almost nearly impossible. This is why regular checkupsare important. Blood tests may be the solution to this problem.

People are advised to report symptoms such as; loss of appetite, abdominal pain in the lower back, and smelly feces, jaundice and a change in the taste of alcohol during their doctor visits so further tests can be conducted if needed.

About Author

The Sandler-Kenner Foundation was started by Gregory A. Echt, M.D. and his wife, Susan T. Echt, after they lost two of their dear friends, Michael and Peter, to premature deaths from pancreatic cancer.