Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and deadliest forms of cancer
Despite ongoing research and advancements in treatment, the survival rates remain low due to the disease's tendency to be diagnosed at advanced stages.
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
The pancreas is a gland in the abdomen that lies behind the stomach and in front of the spine, with two main functions: digestion and blood sugar regulation. Pancreatic cancer begins when abnormal cells within the pancreas grow out of control and form a tumor. More than 95 percent of pancreatic cancers are classified as exocrine tumors. These tumors start in the exocrine cells that make pancreatic enzymes that help in digestion. Within this category, the vast majority of tumors are adenocarcinomas. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pancreatic NETs or PNETs) account for less than 5 percent of all pancreatic tumors. They may be benign or malignant and tend to grow slower than exocrine tumors.How is pancreatic cancer treated?
Treatment for pancreatic cancer is dependent on how advanced the cancer is and a patient’s overall health. If possible, surgeons will remove the cancer; the most common operation is the Whipple procedure (surgery to remove all or part of the pancreas and other organs). Surgery is usually followed up with chemotherapy.For metastatic pancreatic cancer (spread to other parts of the body) treatment may include chemotherapy and occasionally radiotherapy too. A patient may also be offered treatment to relieve symptoms and the opportunity to join a clinical trial.signs, symptoms, and risk factors
Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to the lack of early symptoms. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and risk factors is critical for early detection and prevention.
African Americans have a higher incidence rate of pancreatic cancer than any other racial group in the United States, with risks among younger generations and Hispanic women increasing. We’ve partnered with Angel of Edgewood to educate the community about pancreatic cancer to increase awareness, foster early detection, and save lives.
Signs and Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer symptoms can vary and often go unnoticed until the disease is advanced. Common signs include:-
Persistent discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, which can radiate to the back.
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Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to bile duct obstruction by the tumor.
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Unexplained weight loss despite normal eating habits.
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Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly after eating.
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Due to increased levels of bilirubin from bile duct obstruction.
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Stools may be pale or float due to malabsorption of fats.
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Ongoing weakness and fatigue without an obvious cause.
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Sudden development of diabetes, especially in older adults, may be an indicator.
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These symptoms can occur if the tumor obstructs the digestive tract.
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Unexpected blood clots, especially in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Risk Factors
While the exact cause of pancreatic cancer remains unclear, several risk factors have been identified:-
Most cases occur in people over the age of 60.
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Smoking increases the risk by up to 2-3 times compared to non-smokers.
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A family history of pancreatic cancer or genetic syndromes such as BRCA mutations raises the risk.
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Long-term inflammation of the pancreas can increase susceptibility.
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Long-standing diabetes, particularly type 2, has been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
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Being overweight, especially with a high-fat diet, is associated with a higher risk.
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Men are slightly more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than women.
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African Americans have a higher incidence compared to other racial groups.
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A diet high in processed meats, red meats, and fats is associated with increased risk, while fruits and vegetables may offer protective effects.
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Occupational exposure to certain chemicals, such as those used in dry cleaning or metalworking, may raise the risk.
pancreatic cancer statistics
Understanding current pancreatic cancer statistics can provide valuable insights into the scale of the problem and the urgency for continued research, early detection, and improved treatments.
U.S. and Global Prevalence
United States
In the U.S., pancreatic cancer is the 10th most common cancer but ranks 3rd in cancer-related deaths, after lung and colorectal cancers. For 2024, the American Cancer Society estimates:-
Approximately 64,050 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
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Around 50,550 deaths are expected due to pancreatic cancer.
Worldwide
Pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer globally but ranks as the 7th leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2023, over 495,000 new cases were diagnosed worldwide, with around 466,000 deaths.This high mortality rate makes pancreatic cancer a significant health concern despite its relatively lower incidence.Survival Rates
5-Year Survival Rate
The overall five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains low, around 12% in the U.S. This is primarily due to late-stage diagnoses, where the cancer has already spread to other organs.Stage-Specific Survival
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(Early-stage) When diagnosed at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate improves to about 44%. Unfortunately, only about 12-15% of cases are detected at this stage.
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(Spread to nearby tissues / lymph nodes) The survival rate drops to 15%.
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(Metastatic) For patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (where the cancer has spread to distant organs), the 5-year survival rate is just 3%.
Demographics
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Pancreatic cancer primarily affects older individuals. The median age of diagnosis is 70, and about 90% of cases are found in people aged 55 or older.
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Men and women are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at nearly equal rates, though men have a slightly higher risk, likely due to higher rates of smoking and occupational exposures.
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African Americans have a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer compared to other racial groups in the U.S. This disparity may be due to differences in risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes, and obesity.
Trends and Future Projections
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The incidence of pancreatic cancer has been slowly rising. By 2030, it is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., surpassing colorectal cancer.
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Despite the grim statistics, there is hope. Research into early detection methods, such as blood tests for biomarkers and genetic screening for high-risk individuals, is ongoing. Advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapies also offer promise for future treatment.