November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and out comes the bullhorn as I take this opportunity to be a part of the campaign. True to form, like a broken record, I share my very personal experience with the disease. It was summer, August of 2018, three days after his birthday, my brother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Four weeks and four days later, he was gone.
So, what is pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that starts in the pancreas, a gland that produces digestive enzymes and hormones. It is one of the most aggressive and deadly cancers, with a five-year survival rate of just 10%. However, early detection can improve survival rates significantly.
Early Detection
There is no specific screening test for pancreatic cancer, but there are some things that people can do to increase their chances of early detection, such as:
- Knowing their risk factors for pancreatic cancer, which include smoking, obesity, and diabetes.
- Being aware of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and back pain.
- Seeing a doctor regularly for checkups.
Symptoms
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be vague and often mimic other conditions, such as gastritis or pancreatitis. This can make it difficult to diagnose early on. However, some of the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Back pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Diagnosis
If a doctor suspects that you may have pancreatic cancer, they will likely order a number of tests, including blood tests, imaging tests, and a biopsy.
- Blood tests can check for elevated levels of certain tumor markers, which can be a sign of pancreatic cancer.
- Imaging tests, such as CT scans and MRIs, can create pictures of the pancreas and surrounding organs. This can help doctors to locate any tumors and assess their size and location.
- A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the pancreas and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.
Treatment Options
The treatment options for pancreatic cancer depend on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and their personal preferences. Some of the most common treatment options include:
- Surgery is the only curative treatment for pancreatic cancer. However, not all tumors are resectable (meaning that they can be safely removed).
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used before or after surgery, or as a standalone treatment for patients who are not eligible for surgery.
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be used before or after surgery, or as a standalone treatment for patients who are not eligible for surgery.
Progress in Research
There has been significant progress in pancreatic cancer research in recent years. For example, scientists have identified new genetic markers that can help to diagnose pancreatic cancer earlier. They have also developed new drugs and treatment strategies that are showing promise in clinical trials.
Targeted therapy drugs target specific molecules that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. This type of therapy is often more effective and has fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy drugs. Furthermore, immunotherapy drugs help the body’s own immune system fight cancer cells. Immunotherapy is a relatively new type of treatment for pancreatic cancer, but it has shown promising results in clinical trials.
Resources for Patients and Families
There are a number of resources available to support patients with pancreatic cancer and their families. Some of these resources include:
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN): PanCAN is a national organization that provides support and information to patients with pancreatic cancer and their families. PanCAN also advocates for increased research funding and awareness of pancreatic cancer https://pancan.org/
- American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society provides a variety of resources to patients with cancer and their families, including information about cancer, treatment options, and support services https://www.cancer.org/
- National Institute of Cancer (NCI): The NCI is a division of the National Institutes of Health that provides information and resources about cancer research and prevention https://www.cancer.gov/
Pancreatic cancer is a challenging disease, but there is hope. With early detection and treatment, more and more people are surviving pancreatic cancer. Cheers to the survivors. Prayers of hope for those who are diagnosed and are currently in treatment. Prayers of comfort for the families who have lost a loved one.
SOLUTIONS Cancer Resource Center, Inc. 