PANCREATIC CANCER Odeta Stuikys Rose
Pancreatic cancer starts when the cells in the Pancreas start to grow out of control. Pancreas is an organ that sits behind the stomach that produces hormones and digestive juices for the body.Pancreatic most often affects individuals over the age of 65.
There are 2 types of pancreatic cancer: 1. Adenocarcinoma  2. Endocrine
Adeonocarcinomas grow in ducts where digestive juices are made. Most pancreatic cancers are of this type. Endocrine cancers develop in pancreatic cells that release hormones, such as insulin.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer: Symptoms of pancreatic cancer often don't occur until the disease is advanced.
Symptoms are: 1. Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to your back. 2. Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss. 3. Depression. 4. New-onset diabetes. 5. Blood clots.
6. Fatigue. 7. Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice). The yellow color indicates that the pancreas has interfered with the liver, said Odeta Stuikys Rose.
Risk factors of pancreatic cancer: Factors that may increase your risk of pancreatic cancer include: 1. Diabetes 2. Family history of genetic syndromes that can increase cancer risk. 3. Smoking 4. Obesity
Treatment of pancreatic cancer: Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer. Pancreatic cancer is only potentially curable if it is diagnosed before it has spread beyond the organ. At that stage, it is possible that surgery can remove the entire tumor.
Radiation and chemotherapy are commonly given following and sometimes before surgery to ensure that any remaining cancer cells are destroyed. If surgery is not an option, radiation and chemotherapy may be given as the sole treatment.
Prevention of pancreatic cancer: You may reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer if you: 1. Stop smoking. 2. Maintain a healthy weight. 3. Follow a healthy lifestyle 4. Eat a healthy diet every day.