Pancreatic cancer is a condition that develops when the cells of the pancreas outgrow control and form the shape of a tumor. With a 5-year survival rate of just 10%, it’s the most fatal form of cancer. This article will provide symptoms, causes, and ways to treat it, as well as strategies to reduce your chances of getting pancreatic cancer.
Causes
Although the exact cause of pancreatic cancer isn’t known there are many risk factors. Toxicology is the most significant threat factor to pancreatic cancer. Smokers are two to three times as likely to get it than those who don’t. Other risk factors include age, familial history of pancreatic carcinoma, overweight, chronic pancreatitis, and genetic mutations.
Signs and symptoms
Pancreatic cancer does not usually cause any symptoms during its early stages It is, therefore, difficult to recognize. It may cause symptoms such as:
The abdominal pain is radiating into the back
Weight loss and appetite reduction
Jaundice refers to the yellowing or fading of the eyes and skin.
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
These symptoms must be reported to your doctor immediately. The earlier detection of symptoms is crucial to successful treatment.
Diagnosis
If your doctor suspects you are suffering from pancreatic cancer, they can order multiple tests to confirm that the diagnosis is correct. These could include imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI scans.
Treatment
The stage and location of pancreatic cancer with the health of the patient overall will decide the treatment options. There are three main treatments for pancreatic cancer: chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.
Surgery is the primary treatment for pancreatic cancer particularly if the tumor is located in the pancreas head. The aim of surgery is to eliminate any tumors as well as surrounding tissues that may contain cancerous cells. Surgery is not always possible should the tumor be located in the body or tail part of the pancreas.
Chemotherapy can be described as a treatment for cancer that employs chemicals to kill cancerous cells. This treatment is often used in conjunction with surgery or radiation therapy. You can have chemotherapy orally or intravenously. Its side effects include nausea vomiting, loss of hair, and even death.
Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It is a treatment option that can be used by itself or in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy can also cause inflammation of the skin and fatigue.
Reducing your risk
There is no way to avoid pancreatic cancer. However, there are ways you can take to can reduce the risk. These include:
Stop smoking: quitting smoking is the best thing you can do to reduce your chances of getting pancreatic cancer.
It is vital to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet that is rich in fruits vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Limiting alcohol intake Higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer has been linked with excessive alcohol consumption.
Manage chronic conditions You can lower your risk of developing a condition by working with your doctor for diabetes or pancreatitis.
Pancreatic cancer is a serious illness and needs to be treated quickly. You should see a doctor promptly if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer. By understanding the risks and taking steps to decrease your risk, you can improve your health and lower your risk of developing this devastating disease.
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