2023-09-10 13:17:52
Pancreatic cancer, which occurs when pancreatic cells begin to grow uncontrollably, can affect the digestive system, leading to stomach problems, says Dr. Sandeep Nayak B, director of the department of surgical oncology, robotic and laparoscopic surgery at Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru, according to A new report published by the specialized medical website “onlymyhealth”.
The pancreas is a multifunctional organ responsible for producing hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which are essential for regulating blood sugar levels, and for secreting digestive enzymes that help break down food in the small intestine, facilitating the absorption of nutrients.
How does pancreatic cancer change bowel habits?
The World Cancer Research Fund says pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer worldwide, adding: “There were more than 495,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer in 2020.”
According to a study published in the International Journal of Oncology, pancreatic cancer is more common among men than among women, with the global incidence rate being 5.5 per 100,000 men and 4.0 per 100,000 women.
When asked if pancreatic cancer can affect the digestive system and cause changes in bowel habits, Dr. Nayak said yes, explaining, “As the cancer progresses, it can hamper the normal functioning of the pancreas, thus affecting its ability to release digestive enzymes and digest. In contrast, pancreatic cancer can alter the process of digestion and release of waste from the body, leading to changes in bowel habits.
Symptoms to watch for
Symptoms associated with changes in bowel habits due to pancreatic cancer include:
– Patients may suffer from decreased appetite or early satiety
– Noticeable and unexplained weight loss
– Changes in stool, such as diarrhea, liquid stool, or pale, oily stool
– Indigestion, bloating, or discomfort after eating
– Glucose imbalance
– Diabetes-like symptoms
Common risk factors
Some factors that put you at risk for pancreatic cancer include:
– People over 45 years of age
– A close family member has pancreatic cancer
– Smoking
– Diabetes
– Chronic pancreatitis
– Eat large amounts of red and processed meat
– Reduce your intake of fruits and vegetables
– Alcohol consumption
– Exposure to some chemicals
Ways to reduce the risk of advanced pancreatic cancer
Advanced pancreatic cancer refers to a stage of the disease in which the cancer has usually spread beyond the pancreas to nearby tissues, organs, or distant parts of the body.
To reduce the risks, here are some strategies to follow:
– Visit a doctor if there are symptoms such as abdominal pain.
– Evaluate your risk factors:
– Obtain a PET-CT or three-phase CT scan of the abdomen to rule out pancreatic cancer
– Get an ultrasound scan, because it can detect pancreatic cancer early
– Regular health examination.
Pancreatic cancer can be fatal, but it can be controlled if detected early. Regular examinations and doctor visits can also help diagnose the condition early, which helps in timely and effective treatment. So do not ignore any persistent symptoms associated with cancer, as some of them can be misdiagnosed with other benign conditions, delaying treatment.
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