[ad_1]
There are over 100 different types of cancer and many can be successfully treated today thanks to advances in medicine and technology. However, pancreatic cancer is much more difficult to treat. There are people who defy the odds, but pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose. THE American Cancer Society says, “Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect early. The pancreas is deep inside the body, so healthcare providers cannot see or feel early tumors during routine physical exams. People usually have no symptoms until the cancer has grown very large. or has already spread to other organs.”
There are different types of pancreas, with pancreatic adenocarcinoma being the most common, and understanding which type you have is essential. THE SCA points out: “If you are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it is very important to know whether it is endocrine cancer or exocrine cancer. They have distinct risk factors and causes, different signs and symptoms, are diagnosed with different tests, are treated in different ways, and have different outlooks.”
It is estimated that more than 64,000 people will be diagnosed this year (33,130 men and 30,920 women) and that more than 50,000 will die (26,620 men and 23,930 women) from pancreatic cancer. Although the statistics are grim, this is not an automatic death sentence. There is hope. Medicine Johns Hopkins says, “Despite the overall poor prognosis and the fact that the disease is mostly incurable, pancreatic cancer has the potential to be cured if caught early. Up to 10% of patients who are diagnosed early become free after treatment. For patients diagnosed before the tumor grows or spreads, the average pancreatic cancer survival time is 3 to 3.5 years.”
Dr. Tomi Mitchell, board-certified family physician with Holistic Wellness Strategies tells us: “Pancreatic cancer is an often misunderstood and under-discussed type of cancer with the highest mortality rate of all primary cancers. This deadly disease, along with its associated risk factors and treatment complications, poses a significant challenge for those affected. , which is why it is so important to know the types of pancreatic cancer, how to diagnose it and what treatments are available Know the causes, warning signs and potential lifestyle changes one can make to minimizing risk is also essential.
With continued advances in medical therapies, people affected by pancreatic cancer have more opportunities to improve their outcomes and fight this deadly disease. Pancreatic cancer is a serious and difficult disease, difficult to diagnose and treat. It has one of the lowest survival rates among all other types of cancer – only 11% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive five years or more. A person’s risk of developing the disease increases with age, although it can affect people of any age. Genetics can influence some cases, and lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, and diabetes can also contribute. Knowing the early signs of pancreatic cancer — such as jaundice, abdominal pain, and nausea — is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Yet these symptoms are usually not noticeable until late in the progression of the disease. Thus, individuals should be proactive in learning about pancreatic cancer so that if they have symptoms, they can get appropriate medical attention quickly.”
According to Dr. Mitchell, “Pancreatic cancer and depression have long been linked in research, with studies showing that people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are more prone to feelings of depression than those without a diagnosis. These feelings can range from a general feeling of sadness to severe clinical depression. It is not yet known why pancreatic cancer and depression are linked.
Still, the researchers think it could have something to do with the suddenness of the diagnosis or the severity of some pancreatic cancer treatments, which can cause the patient significant physical pain or difficulty eating properly. To protect their mental well-being, people facing a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer should seek help from their doctor by discussing any concerning signs of depression they are experiencing and also seek needed emotional support outside of the doctor’s office. doctor.
THE American Cancer Society says, “Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for pancreatic cancer. The risk of contracting pancreatic cancer is about twice as high in people who smoke as in those who have never smoked. It is believed that around 25% of pancreatic cancers are caused by smoking. Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products also increase the risk. However, the risk of pancreatic cancer begins to drop once a person quits smoking.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also important to help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. According to the ASC, “Being very overweight (obese) is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. People who are obese (body mass index [BMI] 30 or more) are about 20% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. Gaining weight in adulthood can also increase the risk. Carrying extra weight around the waist can be a risk factor even in people who are not very overweight.”
Dr Mitchell says: “Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer usually involves a combination of imaging tests, blood tests and biopsy. The most common imaging tests used to diagnose pancreatic cancer include computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests can provide detailed images of the pancreas and help identify abnormalities that may be cancerous. Blood tests, such as the CA 19-9 test, can also be used to help diagnose pancreatic cancer. This test measures levels of a protein called carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in the blood.
High levels of this protein can be a sign of pancreatic cancer. A biopsy, which involves removing a sample of tissue from the pancreas and examining it under a microscope, is the most accurate way to diagnose pancreatic cancer. A biopsy can be performed in several ways, including through a needle biopsy or during surgery. It is important to note that pancreatic cancer can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because it often does not cause noticeable symptoms. If you have concerning symptoms or are at increased risk for pancreatic cancer, it is important to discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional.”
Dr Mitchell says: “Pancreatic cancer is a serious disease, and early recognition of the signs can help ensure the effectiveness of any potential treatment. Warning signs of pancreatic cancer can include abdominal pain, back pain that increases over time, unintentional weight loss. , jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), loss of appetite, digestive problems such as diarrhea or steatorrhea (oily stools), weakness or fatigue, blood clots, nausea and vomiting.
If you experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you should see your doctor to determine the cause. Although pancreatic cancer may be the diagnosis in some cases, it is important to remember that most of these symptoms are also associated with other diseases and conditions. An accurate diagnosis comes from visiting a doctor and receiving professional medical care.”
[ad_2]
Source
