Experts are urging people to look out for five key symptoms which could the the first signs of one of the deadliest cancers. Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate among all major cancers because there is no early detection test.
With few people knowing the risks and symptoms it means it often results in a late stage diagnosis. Now the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition is seeking to raise awareness of the most common symptoms and risks of the disease.
It will be holding its annual one-day campaign next month when it aims to reach as many people as possible with its critical message of time. This year, “It’s About Time” highlights early detection and early action.
The campaign will encourage anyone experiencing symptoms of pancreatic cancer for more than a couple weeks to contact a healthcare provider for further support. And ahead of the day they are advising people of the five key signs that they may have to disease.
Jessica Abelsohn, chair of the WPCC’s Day Campaign Committee said: “We want to make it easy for anyone experiencing pancreatic cancer symptoms to take action on their own behalf and seek advice from their healthcare provider."
In nearly every country, pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all major cancers at just eight - 14%. While death rates are declining for many other cancers, death rates are increasing for pancreatic cancer.
Every day, more than 1,358 people worldwide will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and an estimated 466,000 will die from this disease each year. The WPCC says more attention, awareness, and progress are needed to help patients fight and survive this disease.
The five symptoms you must act on
Early detection matters. A key to early detection is knowing the symptoms, which are often vague and incorrectly attributed to other less serious and more common conditions. Pancreatic cancer symptoms include:
- Mid-back pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice) or itchy skin
- Persistent stomach pain
- Changes in stool
What causes pancreatic cancer
While the cause of most pancreatic cancer cases is unknown, there is evidence that smoking, heavy alcohol use and being overweight increases the risk. A family history of pancreatic cancer, and chronic pancreatitis may also make it more likely.
What treatment is available?
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.
Where can I find out more?
The WPCC has more details about the symptoms and risks of pancreatic cancer, as well as a downloadable patient guide that will make it easier for those with symptoms to capture their information and take action. Find it here
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea
