Pancreatic cancer: cancer of the digestive system

Pancreatic cancer is a life-threatening illness that starts in the pancreas, a small organ located behind the stomach that has an important role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Its five-year survival rate is below 10%. It is estimated that there will be 60,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer in the US in 2022. The two main varieties are exocrine, which makes up 95%, and endocrine, which is rare. Age, smoking, obesity, a family history of pancreatic cancer, and genetic mutations such as those found in BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase one's risk. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, weight loss without explanation, jaundice, and altered bowel movements; however, these can also be symptoms of other conditions so consulting with a doctor is essential. Diagnosis generally involves imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs as well as biopsies of the pancreatic tissue to determine the stage of cancer. Treatment can involve surgery, chemo or radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination thereof; sometimes removing some or all of the pancreas is necessary. The prognosis for pancreatic cancer is often poor due to diagnosis at an advanced stage; early detection and treatment are important for improving chances for successful outcomes. Prevention relies on maintaining good health habits including avoiding tobacco use and reducing exposure to environmental toxins; people with a family history should have genetic counseling/testing to assess their risk more accurately.