▶Q: What kind of cancer is pancreatic cancer?
▶A: Pancreatic cancer was a rare disease in the past, but it is increasing and will become more common than other cancers in the future. The pancreas is an organ that secretes enzymes necessary for digestion of all food we eat, and it also secretes hormones such as insulin, so it is one of the organs that cannot survive without it.
Although the number of young pancreatic cancer patients is increasing these days, most pancreatic cancer occurs at the age of 55 years or older and is most common in the early 70s on average. Pancreatic cancer is more common in smokers, and alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes, and lack of exercise can also be a cause.
Globally, the incidence or mortality of pancreatic cancer is very low in countries located in the equator such as Africa or India. However, pancreatic cancer is common in developed countries. The incidence of pancreatic cancer is also high in the United States. Interestingly, blacks in the United States have a higher incidence and mortality rate of pancreatic cancer than whites. Why? In the development of pancreatic cancer, environment is more important than genetics. This is because black people living in the United States have lower vitamin D levels than black people living in Africa.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer initially include loss of appetite, weight loss, and gradually yellow eyes due to jaundice, white stools, or oily stools in the toilet. The smell of sticky feces also gets worse. You suddenly have diabetes. At this time, pancreatic cancer is suspected and tests are started. Also, if there is severe pain that extends to the back, it is very painful.
The 5-year survival rate is about 10%, and radiotherapy or chemotherapy is difficult. However, even such pancreatic cancer can be operated and cured if diagnosed early with regular examinations.
How can early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer be possible? In general, people with high cholesterol and low vitamin D are more prone to various cancers. So is pancreatic cancer. Blood tests to identify suspected patients and regular, radiation-free abdominal ultrasonography can detect early, asymptomatic signs of pancreatic cancer. Dilatation of the biliary duct islets and tumors smaller than 2 cm can be detected. After that, MRI or ultrasound endoscopy can be performed to confirm early pancreatic cancer. Of course, prevention is important, so we recommend that you stop smoking this week, take vitamin D, and try to maintain a normal weight.
▶Inquiries: (213)381-3630
Lim Soon-Soon Medical Doctor