November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

World Pancreatic Cancer Day is November 20th as part of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a disease where cancer cells grow in your pancreas. Your pancreas is a large gland in the back of your stomach. It's part of both your digestive and endocrine systems. It helps with digestion and releases hormones that help to regulate your blood sugar. 

Who is at risk for getting pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer death in Missouri among men and women and the 3rd most diagnosed cancer in Missouri. Common risk factors include:

  • Older age

  • Tobacco use (like smoking)

  • Obesity

  • Chronic pancreatitis

  • Exposure to certain chemicals

What are signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

 Signs and symptoms include:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

  • Light-colored stools

  • Dark urine

  • Pain in your upper or middle stomach and back

  • Loss of appetite

  • Weight loss for no known reason

  • Fatigue (feeling tired)

 

Pancreatic cancer is considered the silent killer

Pancreatic cancer is hard to detect and diagnose. It can spread before any symptoms are noticed. Unfortunately, most pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed at later stages. 

 

How is pancreatic cancer treated?

There are different types of treatment. Your treatment will be unique to your situation. Examples of treatment include:

  • Surgery

  • Radiation therapy

  • Chemotherapy

  • Chemoradiation

  • Targeted therapy

  • Immunotherapy

  • Clinical trials

There are also treatments for pain caused by pancreatic cancer.


What is genetic testing and biomarker testing?

According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, about 10% of pancreatic cancers are hereditary. If you have a first-degree relative with pancreatic cancer, you may have a higher risk of getting it too. Talk to a genetic counselor to learn more about whether genetic testing is right for your situation.

Biomarker testing uses tissue from your cancer. Doctors test the tissue, and the results may give your doctor more information to make treatment decisions.

 

Sources:

Cancer.gov

Pancan.org

Sarah Valenza