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All You Need to Know About Detection of Pancreatic Cancer

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Overview

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach. Pancreatic cancer often does not cause any symptoms until it is quite advanced. By that time, it may be too late for treatment to be effective.

In this blog post, we will discuss pancreatic cancer detection methods and what you need to know about them. We will also provide tips on how to reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Stay tuned!

What is Cancer Detection?

Cancer detection is the process of looking for cancer in a person who does not have any symptoms of the disease. This can be done through screening tests, which are designed to look for signs of cancer in people who appear to be healthy. Screening tests can help find cancer at an early stage, when it is more likely to be treated successfully.

Can Pancreatic Cancer Be Caught Early?

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect early because it often does not cause any symptoms until it is quite advanced. By the time symptoms do appear, the cancer may have already spread to other parts of the body. This makes pancreatic cancer very difficult to treat and often leads to a poor prognosis.

There are currently no screening tests that are recommended for the general population to detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage. However, some experts recommend that people with certain risk factors, such as a family history of pancreatic cancer, undergo screening with imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans.

Read More : Can a Person Live Without a Pancreas?

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What Are the Early Signs of Pancreatic Cancer?

The early signs of pancreatic cancer are often nonspecific and can be mistaken for other conditions. This is one of the reasons why pancreatic cancer is so difficult to detect at an early stage. Some of the early signs of pancreatic cancer include:

  • Jaundice: Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes become yellowish. It occurs when there is a build-up of bilirubin, a yellow substance that is produced by the liver. Jaundice can also be caused by other conditions, such as liver disease, so further testing would be needed to confirm a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Dark Yellow urine, pale stool and itching over body can be caused due to increased bilirubin due to mechanical block

  • Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas.It can be caused by various conditions, including pancreatic cancer. Pancreatitis can cause a variety of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Backache – pain in upper abdomen spreading to back can be one symptom

Recent onset diabetes or controlled diabetes suddenly becoming uncontrolled can be early sign

  • Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is often one of the first signs of cancer. Cancer cells can use up a lot of the body’s energy, leading to weight loss.
  • Fatigue: Fatigue is feeling tired all the time and having little energy. It is a common symptom of cancer, as well as many other conditions.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor so that they can rule out other potential causes and determine if further testing is needed.

What are the Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer?

There are several risk factors for pancreatic cancer, including:

  • Age: The risk of pancreatic cancer increases with age. The average age at diagnosis is 72.
  • Smoking: Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of pancreatic cancer. Smokers are two to three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than nonsmokers.
  • Family history: People with a family history of pancreatic cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves.
  • Chronic pancreatitis: Chronic inflammation of the pancreas can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
  • Diabetes: People with diabetes have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
  • Obesity: People who are obese have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
  • Diet: A diet high in red and processed meats, as well as refined carbohydrates, can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
  • Exposure to certain chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as those used in the dry cleaning industry, can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Pancreatic Cancer?

There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer, including:

  • Stop smoking: If you smoke, quitting is the best way to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.
  • Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in red and processed meats can help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Staying at a healthy weight can help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.
  • Exercise regularly: Getting regular exercise can help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.
  • Limit your exposure to certain chemicals: If you work with or are exposed to certain chemicals, such as those used in the dry cleaning industry, take steps to limit your exposure.

Read More: Survival Rate in Pancreatic Cancer

Conclusion

Pancreatic cancer is a difficult disease to detect at an early stage due to its nonspecific symptoms. However, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer, including quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.

If you experience any of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, it is important to see your doctor so that they can rule out other potential causes and determine if further testing is needed.

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    About Author

    Dr. Nilesh is a renowned Cancer surgeon/consultant practicing at SSO Hospital, Infinity Media Surge Hospital, and Navkaar Cancer Clinic Mumbai and he is also a visiting consultant at various hospitals in Mumbai, Thane, Dombivali, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai, etc. With over 10+ years of experience, he is highly trained and specialized in performing GI & Gynae cancer surgery procedures from the simplest to the most complicated surgeries.

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