The pancreas is located in the abdomen, behind the lower stomach. The pancreas releases enzymes that help the body digest food, and it also releases hormones that help the body regulate blood sugar. According to Harvard Health, about 70% of pancreatic cancers start at the bulbous end of the pancreas. The gallbladder and liver discharge channels-the common bile duct may be blocked by the tumor. Therefore, a waste of bilirubin has nowhere to go and enters the blood circulation, which in turn causes pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly and aggressive cancer types. According to Harvard Health, only 16% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive more than five years after diagnosis. If the cancer spreads to other organs, the probability of survival for five years drops to 2%. Pancreatic cancer is currently the third leading cause of death in the United States. It is predicted that by 2030, it will become the second leading cause of death in the United States.
If there is a family medical history, there are two or more immediate family members with pancreatic cancer, or a patient diagnosed with pancreatic cancer before the age of 50, or with a genetic disease related to pancreatic cancer, then pancreatic cancer is affected The risk of illness will be higher than ordinary people.
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to find, which is an important reason why the disease is so deadly. In the early stages, there are usually no signs or symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms begin to appear. Some signs include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white eyes), accidental weight loss and blood clots. Some symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, depression and upper abdominal pain, and even radiation to the back. Sometimes, the disease can cause itching. The Mayo Clinic said another possible symptom is diabetes. When diabetes is accompanied by weight loss, jaundice or upper abdominal pain spread to the back, it is likely to have pancreatic cancer.
