Facts About Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer, because the symptoms of this disease are usually not noticeable until the cancer has spread. According to the Mayo Clinic, pancreatic cancer spreads very rapidly and thus has a poor prognosis when compared to other forms of cancer. As with any cancer, the long-term outlook is best if the cancer is detected early.
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Areas Affected
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Pancreatic cancer targets the pancreas, which is a six-inch organ located behind the stomach. The pancreas is responsible for secreting enzymes and hormones that aid in digestion, including insulin.
Symptoms
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The symptoms of pancreatic cancer are usually not noticeable in the early stages. As the cancer progresses, you may notice abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice and vomiting.
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Risk Factors
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Your risk for developing pancreatic cancer is increased if you have a family history of this disease, if you smoke or are overweight. Pancreatic cancer occurs most frequently in African-Americans and people over the age of 60.
Diagnosis
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Pancreatic cancer is normally diagnosed via an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI. If the diagnosis is unclear, your doctor may schedule a biopsy of your pancreatic tissue to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
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Radiation and chemotherapy are the most common treatments for pancreatic cancer. Surgery may be used in some cases, but is usually only an option if the cancer has not spread.
Incidence
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According to the National Cancer Institute, 29,000 Americans are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year.
Prognosis
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The prognosis for pancreatic cancer is quite grim. The American Cancer Society estimates the one-year survival rate to be 20%, while the five-year rate is a mere 4%.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Jorge Vicente at www.sxc.hu
