Exploring Risk Factors, Early Detection, and Lifesaving Treatments in the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer.
It is no secret that incidence rates of pancreatic cancer continue to rise in the United States. While there have been great strides made in research and more progress in survival rates, the fight against pancreatic cancer is still on. According to a study conducted by Haleh Amirian et. al (2021), pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In their study about racial disparities, they projected that by 2030 pancreatic cancer will be the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths (Amirian et. al, 2021). It is imperative that we continue our efforts to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of our loved ones to change this outcome for the better.
A significant way to get ahead of the pancreatic cancer train is education. Continue reading below to learn about risk factors, early detection measures, and current treatment options.
Risk Factors: Exploring the Causes of Pancreatic Cancer
How often have you heard, "I wish I would've known sooner?" This statement is common among families who receive a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Below are a list of the risk factors that can potentially lead to pancreatic cancer.
Age & Family History
Race/ethnicity
Gender
Diabetes & Chronic Pancreatitis
Obesity, alcohol, smoking, & diet
Cirrhosis
Hereditary Syndromes
Chemicals
Bacteria
Hepatitis B infection
(Pancreatic Cancer-Risk Factors, 2012)
Early Detection Measures: Time is of the Essence
Time is of the essence! Every day, someone is receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Every day, patients are up against the clock and all they want is more time. So, what's the solution? What are the early detection measures?
Here is the issue: there are none currently. Researchers are feverishly working to develop and implement screening tests specific to pancreatic cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that no major professional groups currently recommend routine screening in people of average risk because no tests have been shown to reduce the outcome of death (Can Pancreatic Cancer Be Found Early?, n.d.). I know you're wondering about genetic testing, right? While genetic testing is an option, it can't tell you for certain that you will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at some point. Genetic testing investigates and analyzes gene changes that cause inherited conditions and increased risk of pancreatic cancer (Can Pancreatic Cancer Be Found Early?, n.d.). According to The American Cancer Society, it is important to have genetic testing done by a doctor, nurse, or genetic counselor to determine if further tests need to be conducted (Can Pancreatic Cancer Be Found Early?, n.d.).
Why is this the case you may ask? In simple terms, the pancreas is located deep to the surface of the body behind the stomach. It's not easy to detect pancreatic cancer cells in early stages due to its location and symptoms aren't usually present until later stages (Can Pancreatic Cancer Be Found Early?, n.d.). Families that may be at higher risks for pancreatic cancer can either receive: (1) an endoscopic ultrasound or (2) a MRI (Can Pancreatic Cancer Be Found Early?, n.d.).
This is why education, advocacy, and funding for research must continue. Although early detection is lagging, there are treatment options for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Treatment Options: Hope In Action
The current treatment options for pancreatic cancer include:
Surgery
Ablation & Embolization
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted Therapy
Pain Control
(Treating Pancreatic Cancer, n.d.)
We can rejoice in the most current statistics of the survival rate. According to Cancer.Net, the 5-year relative survival rate for pancreatic cancer has increased to 12% in the United States (Cancer.net, 2019). The overall goal is to increase funding for research nation wide to provide early detection screening and better treatment options. Our hope, of course, is to develop a cure. Keep fighting Baylor Strong.
For more information and further education about pancreatic cancer, subscribe to our blog. We'd love to hear from you. Be sure to visit our previous posts as well and learn about the experience of our founder whose father passed away from pancreatic cancer.
Works Cited
Pancreatic Cancer - Risk Factors. (2012, June 26). Cancer.net.
https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/pancreatic-cancer/risk-factors
Can Pancreatic Cancer Be Found Early? (n.d.). www.cancer.org.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pancreatic-
cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html
Cancer.net. (2019, April 10). Pancreatic Cancer - Statistics. Cancer.net.
https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/pancreatic-cancer/statistics
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