Facts you should know about pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a cancerous tumour of the ­pancreas.

By the end of 2010 in the United States it is estimated that about 43,140 individuals will be ­diagnosed with this condition and 36,800 will die from the disease. In Bermuda, of the most common causes of death from cancer, 6.1% were a result of pancreatic cancer as reported by Bermuda National Tumour Registry.

The pancreas is a large gland that is about 6 inches. long (15 cms) which looks somewhat like a pear lying on its side. It is a crucial part of the body’s digestive system and hormonal ­system. 

In the digestive system, it secretes pancreatic juice containing digestive ­enzymes that help to ­further breakdown carbohydrates, protein and fat.  Hormonally, it contains clusters of cells (islets of Langerhans) that secrete the pancreatic endocrine hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream in order to regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels.

The exact cause of ­pancreatic cancer is not known. Doctors can seldom explain why one person gets pancreatic cancer and another does not. Cancer is not contagious, although family members may inherit a faulty gene which predisposes them to cancer.

Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop pancreatic cancer. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease.

Some risk factors for pancreatic cancer include:

- Age: The likelihood of developing pancreatic ­cancer increases with age. Most pancreatic cancers ­occur in people over the age of 60.

- Smoking: Cigarette smokers are two or three times more likely than nonsmokers to develop pancreatic cancer.

- Diabetes: Pancreatic cancer occurs more often in people who have diabetes than in people who do not.

- Being male: More men than women are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

- Being African American: African Americans are more likely than Asians, Hispanics or whites to get pancreatic cancer.

- Family history: The risk for developing pancreatic cancer triples if a person's mother, father, sister, or brother had the disease. Also, a family history of colon or ovarian cancer ­increases the risk of ­pancreatic cancer.

- Chronic pancreatitis: Chronic pancreatitis is a painful inflammatory ­condition of the pancreas. Some evidence suggests that chronic pancreatitis may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is sometimes called a "silent disease" because early ­pancreatic cancer often does not cause symptoms. But, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

— Pain in the upper ­abdomen or upper back

— Yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine from jaundice

—  Fatigue, Weakness

— Loss of appetite

— Nausea and vomiting

— Weight loss

— Depression

These symptoms are not sure signs of pancreatic cancer — an infection or other problem could also cause them. Only a doctor can diagnose the cause of a person's symptoms so if these symptoms are present, you should see a doctor as soon as possible so that he/she can treat any problem detected as early as possible.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), cigarette smoking has been linked with 20–30 per cent of pancreatic cancers. The ACS recommends keeping a healthy weight, and ­increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while decreasing red meat intake, ­although there is no consistent evidence that this will prevent or reduce pancreatic cancer specifically.

In September 2006, a long-term study concluded that taking Vitamin D can substantially reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer (as well as other cancers) by up to 50 per cent, but this study needs to evaluate ­fully the risks, costs and ­potential benefits of taking Vitamin D. Several studies, including one published on 1 June 2007, indicate that B vitamins such as B12, B6, and folate, can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer when consumed in food, but not when ingested in ­vitamin tablet form.

Patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer typically have a poor prognosis because the cancer is usually already in advanced stages when detected, and may have also spread to other parts of the body at time of diagnosis.

At Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre we strive for early detection, prevention and support. We encourage all individuals to maintain healthy lifestyles that will decrease their risk of ­disease.

Unfortunately, to date there are no established screening guidelines for pancreatic cancer. Health screenings often allow for the early detection of cancer or any other disease. Given the nature of pancreatic cancer it is especially important to be an advocate for your own health. Maintain all of your annual check-ups and report any unusual symptoms/feelings to your ­doctor as soon as possible. n

Ashley DaCosta is ­education officer at Bermuda Cancer and Health ­Centre  www.chc.bm