Pancreas cancer will cause symptoms that may not be symptomatic. While this type of cancer is rare, it is still serious and can lead to severe health consequences. To ensure that you and your loved ones are as well-informed about the condition as possible, you should write down all your symptoms, both now and in the future. Your doctor will use this information to better diagnose and treat you. You can also read more about this condition at the Pancreatic Cancer UK website.
Although the incidence of pancreatic cancer has decreased, the mortality rate is still very high. In the United States, approximately 3 percent of all people will develop this disease. By 2020, pancreatic cancer will rank as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, after lung cancer. In 2018, alone, about 55,440 people will be diagnosed and 44,330 will die from pancreatic cancer. Despite this dire forecast, the disease is becoming easier to detect and treat.
While early-stage colon cancer is curable, pancreatic cancer can have far worse consequences. In contrast, a five-year survival rate of cancers in the colon is ninety percent. Although researchers are still investigating why pancreatic cancers are so aggressive, one thing is clear: it isn’t because of a single cause. Treatment for pancreatic cancer is based on a patient’s tumor and surrounding neighborhood. A good understanding of the cancer’s environment and neighborhood will enable physicians to choose the most effective tools for treating it. Personalized treatment options improve patient outcomes.
In the meantime, despite the grim prognosis, there are several promising treatments being tested. The Stand Up to Cancer campaign, a coalition of 28 scientists from five major medical centers, has launched a research program to advance new treatments and prevent the recurrence of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States within five years. However, despite these promising treatments, most patients die within a year of diagnosis.
Depending on the type of pancreas cancer, the symptoms can vary from person to person. They may appear suddenly, over time, or after specific events. Some symptoms may also develop during normal daily activities, recent physical activity, and even while taking medications. In addition to a physician’s diagnosis, the patient will be asked to complete a number of tests to help determine the type and stage of the disease. In the meantime, your doctor will begin treatment.
When a pancreatic tumor is detected in its early stages, it can be treated with radiation and chemotherapy. The treatment is aimed at removing the tumor while the disease is still in its early stages. The disease is not curable, but with aggressive treatment, the patient can enjoy a longer life. A doctor will use chemotherapy and radiation to prolong their patient’s life. However, it is important to understand the limitations of these treatments before undergoing any treatment.
