Pancreatic Cancer: Causes, symptoms, and risk factors

The pancreas a small organ situated deep within the abdomen often goes unnoticed until it becomes a source of health concern Responsible for producing digestive enzymes and regulating blood sugar the pancreas plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall health When malignant cells take root in this organ this causes pancreatic cancer Understanding the causes symptoms and risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer is crucial for early detection and improved outcomes in the fight against this deadly diseaseCauses of pancreatic cancerThe exact causes of pancreatic cancer remain a subject of ongoing research but several risk factors have been identifiedAge Pancreatic cancer is more common in older individuals with the majority of cases diagnosed in people over the age of 45 The risk increases significantly after the age of 65Tobacco use Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for pancreatic cancer Smokers are two to three times more likely to develop the disease than nonsmokersFamily history A family history of pancreatic cancer or certain genetic syndromes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can increase the risk of developing the diseaseChronic pancreatitis Individuals with chronic inflammation of the pancreas have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer over timeObesity Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer possibly due to the associated chronic inflammation and metabolic changesDiabetes Newonset diabetes or longstanding poorly controlled diabetes may be associated with an elevated risk of pancreatic cancerCommon symptomsPancreatic cancer is notorious for its subtle onset and late diagnosis making it one of the deadliest forms of cancer Symptoms can be vague and nonspecific leading to delayed diagnosis Common symptoms includeJaundice Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes is often an early sign of pancreatic cancer It occurs when the tumor obstructs the bile duct preventing the flow of bileAbdominal pain Dull aching pain in the upper abdomen or back may be an indicator of pancreatic cancer This pain can become more severe as the disease progressesUnexplained weight loss Sudden and unexplained weight loss is a red flag for many health conditions including pancreatic cancerAppetite loss A loss of appetite and feeling full quickly after eating small amounts of food can be a symptom of pancreatic cancerChanges in stool Lightcoloured greasy or foulsmelling stools may indicate a problem with the pancreas affecting the digestion of fatsEarly detection and diagnosisEarly detection is crucial in the fight against pancreatic cancer but it is often diagnosed in its advanced stages due to the lack of early specific symptoms Diagnostic tools for pancreatic cancer include imaging tests like CT scans MRIs and endoscopic ultrasounds Additionally blood tests for tumor markers can help in the diagnosisPrevention and awarenessWhile not all risk factors can be eliminated there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of pancreatic cancerQuit smoking If you smoke quitting is one of the most effective ways to lower your riskMaintain a healthy weight Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce the risk of many cancers including pancreatic cancerManage diabetes If you have diabetes work with your healthcare provider to manage it effectivelyGenetic counselling Individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer or genetic predisposition may benefit from genetic counselling and testingUnderstanding the causes symptoms and risk factors associated with this disease is crucial for timely diagnosis and improved outcomes Anyone experiencing persistent symptoms or falling into the highrisk category should seek medical evaluation and guidance to ensure the best chances of early detection and successful treatment As research into pancreatic cancer continues there is hope for better diagnostics and treatments in the futureDr Nandish Jeevangi senior consultant medical oncology HCG KalaburagiThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever