Pancreatic cancer is a disease that develops when the cells of the pancreas outgrow control and create the form of a tumor. It is among the most deadly forms of cancer with the five-year survival rate being just 10 percent. In this piece, we will examine the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and methods to lower your chances of developing pancreatic cancer.
The Reasons
Although the cause of pancreatic disease is not known at the moment, several risks have been identified. The primary risk factor is the habit of smoking. Smokers are between two and three times more likely than non-smokers to develop pancreatic cancer. Other risk factors are the age of one’s parents, familial history of pancreatic carcinoma and overweight, chronic pancreatitis and certain genetic variants.
Symptoms
It is normal that pancreatic cancer does not exhibit symptoms in its initial stage. It is this makes it difficult to identify. The signs of pancreatic cancer may become more severe as the tumor increases in size.
Abdominal pain radiating to the back
Weight loss and loss of appetite
Jaundice (yellowing skin and eyes)
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
These symptoms must be reported to your doctor immediately. A prompt diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
Diagnosis
If your doctor suspects there is pancreatic cancer in your body, they may order several tests to confirm that the diagnosis is correct. It is possible to undergo imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRI scans. You may also require the procedure of taking tiny amounts of tissue for analysis.
Treatment
The treatment for pancreatic cancer is contingent on the stage and location of the tumor, and also the health of the patient overall. In general, the treatment options comprise chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.
Surgery is the most commonly used treatment for pancreatic cancer especially if the cancer is located within the head of the pancreas. Surgery is designed to remove the cancerous tumor and its surrounding tissue. If the tumor is located in the body , or in the tail of the pancreas, then surgery may not be possible.
Chemotherapy is a method of treatment for cancer, utilizes chemicals to kill cancerous cells. Chemotherapy is typically combined with surgery or radiation therapy. It is possible to receive chemotherapy either by mouth or intravenously. Its side effects include nausea vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, and even death.
Radiation therapy uses high energy radiation to destroy cancerous cells. Radiation therapy can be used as a complement to chemotherapy or surgical procedures. The radiation therapy may cause skin irritation and fatigue.
Reducing your risk
While there is no sure method to avoid pancreatic cancer, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce your chance of developing it. These are:
Stopping smoking cigarettes: If smoke, quitting is the most crucial thing you can do to reduce your chances of getting pancreatic cancer.
Weight maintenance for healthy weight: Obesity could increase the chance of getting pancreatic cancer.
A healthy diet is essential. Consuming a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Limiting drinking alcohol
Treatment of chronic diseases: It is possible to lower your risk of developing the condition by consulting your physician for pancreatitis or diabetes.
Cancer of the pancreas can be fatal and needs to be treated quickly. It is crucial to seek medical attention right away when you experience any signs of pancreatic cancer. You can take control over your health by understanding the dangers and taking steps to reduce the chance of developing this fatal disease.
For more information, click pancreatic cancer research fund
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