What Patients Need to Know About Pancreatic Cancer

Posted by Hollie Williams on September 23rd, 2017

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. With a five-year survival rate that is less than 10 percent, this form of cancer remains difficult to detect and complicated to treat. There are things about this condition, however, that patients need to know to help them as they make decisions regarding care and interventions.

Pancreatic cancer remains difficult to detect in its earliest, most treatable stages for several reasons. Firstly, this condition tends to present initially with few, if any, symptoms. When symptoms do arise, they tend to be similar to a host of other conditions, often leading to diagnosis delays and/or misdiagnosis. Secondly, unlike other forms of cancer, there is no screening test available for use on the general public. Although diagnostic tests are available, their use tends to be reserved for when suspicions of the disease’s presence run high.

When pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, patients will need to work with their doctors to determine the course of treatments to follow. For some patients, surgery to remove the tumor will be indicated and may have a positive outcome. Others, however, will find that surgery is not a viable option or needs to be delayed in favor of shrinking the tumor using chemotherapy or chemoradiation. Patients in the latter category may find the interventions help manage symptoms and may extend life while making eventual surgery possible. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy will generally be recommended to extend life and manage symptoms.

While the mortality rate for pancreatic cancer remains extremely high compared with other forms of cancer, patients should work closely with their doctors. When detected in earlier stages, there is a possibility for a positive outcome. Even some patients in later stages may find that interventions help control symptoms while extending anticipated lifespan.

Although pancreatic cancer remains difficult to detect and treat, researchers are hard at work trying to change that. Study is ongoing on such potential advancement as early screening tools and improved treatments.

People who are at risk for pancreatic cancer are urged to talk to their doctors about this condition. Risk factors include family history, new-onset diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, obesity and tobacco use. Addressing risks that can be changed may help lower the odds of developing this condition. If risks are high and cancer is suspected, it is strongly advised to seek medical attention immediately.

About Author

The Sandler-Kenner Foundationwas started by Gregory A. Echt, M.D. and his wife, Susan T. Echt, after they lost two of their dear friends, Michael and Peter, to premature deaths from pancreatic cancer.