Its National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
As the month of November brings pancreatic cancer into focus, CancerConnect provides this update on screening and prevention, treatment advances, and the advocacy resources available for individuals impacted by a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is often detected at an advanced stage when it is difficult to treat, highlighting the importance of research on prevention and early detection.
Featured Articles
What are the Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer? Pancreatic cancer is considered a “silent” disease because it does not always cause early symptoms and is often detected once it has spread beyond the pancreas.
A Healthy Lifestyle Lowers The Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
Could New Onset Diabetes Mean You Have Pancreatic Cancer?
Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer – Ten Tips on How to Get the Most From Your Doctor
Treatment Advances
- PARP Inhibitors Show Promise for Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer
- New Drugs in Development for Pancreatic Cancer
Five Things You Should Know About Pancreatic Cancer
- What is the pancreas, and what is pancreatic cancer? The pancreas is a gland located deep in the abdomen. It is surrounded by the stomach, small intestine, liver, and spleen. The pancreas has two main functions. One is called the exocrine function. This involves the production of enzymes that help in digestion. The second function of the pancreas is the endocrine function, which involves the production of hormones, including insulin and glucagon. Islet cells within the pancreas produce and secrete insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones work together to maintain the proper level of sugar in the blood. When cells in the pancreas grow out of control, a tumor develops. In most cases of pancreatic cancer, the cells that line the pancreatic duct are involved. This type of pancreatic cancer is an exocrine tumor known as adenocarcinoma. A less common type of pancreatic tumor begins in the islet cells of the pancreas and is known as an endocrine or islet cell tumor.
- What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer? The symptoms of pancreatic cancer are vague and may include back or abdominal pain, digestive issues, or unexplained weight loss—symptoms that may also indicate a number of other conditions. The symptom that often triggers a pancreatic cancer diagnosis is jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes. Jaundice is caused by the buildup in the blood of a substance called bilirubin. In the case of pancreatic cancer, jaundice may occur if a tumor on the head of the pancreas obstructs the bile duct, causing this buildup of bilirubin.
- Who is at risk? Recent research studies indicate that 30 percent of pancreatic cancer cases are linked to smoking and another 10 percent are said to have a hereditary (or familial) link. We also know that the incidence among African Americans is 50 to 90 percent higher than for any other ethnic group in the United States. There is an even greater risk of pancreatic cancer among Ashkenazi Jews. Some of the other risk factors scientists are currently studying include diabetes, chronic and hereditary pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), obesity, physical activity, and diet.
- What treatment options are available? The standard treatments for pancreatic cancer include chemotherapy and/or radiation. Some patients may be eligible for a surgery called the Whipple procedure, wherein part of the pancreas is removed. Other methods of treatment can include biological therapies and complementary and alternative therapies. Clinical trials in pancreatic cancer are also available and should be considered when selecting a treatment option.
- There is hope for pancreatic cancer patients. Receiving the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can be a frightening moment for both the patient and the family. It is important to realize that there is hope and resources available to help them through their journey.
Featured Articles:
Lessons in Life and Love: Lisa Niemi Swayze reflects on her journey as a caregiver and shares her hopes as an advocate.
Drugs in Development for Pancreatic Cancer: Learn about new drugs being developed for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
What are the Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer?Pancreatic cancer is considered a “silent” disease because it does not always cause early symptoms and is often detected once it has spread beyond the pancreas.
Advocacy & Support
The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research
The mission of the Lustgarten Foundation is to advance the scientific and medical research related to the diagnosis, treatment, cure and prevention of pancreatic cancer.
The Susan Wright Foundation
Bob Wright established The Suzanne Wright Foundation in November 2016, in honor of his wife Suzanne. The Foundation advocates for HARPA, the Health Advanced Research Projects Agency, to drive innovation in biomedical research.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The Vision of Progress: Double the Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate by 2020.
Connect With Others for Support and Information
CancerConnect was the first social network created for people with pancreatic cancer. Founded by oncologists to support myeloma patients and their caregivers, over 40 million individuals have accessed CancerConnect programs since 1997. CancerConnect is used by leading cancer centers like Dana Farber, Roswell Park and The James at Ohio State to support their patients. Join the conversation, ask questions, share your experience, and learn how the best cancer centers are treating pancreatic cancer from others. Share your experience, ask a question, or start a conversation by posting on CancerConnect.
Reference:
- American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2023. Available here. (Accessed November 1, 2023).
