Approximately 1 in 56 men and 1 in 60 women will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at some point in their lives, and Pennsylvania has slightly higher rates of pancreatic cancer than the national average.
Pancreatic cancer occurs when there is an abnormal growth of cells in the pancreas, an organ located behind the lower part of the stomach that produces enzymes aiding in digestion and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.
What causes pancreatic cancer?
While scientists do not have a clear idea about what causes pancreatic cancer, they know it occurs when cells in the pancreas undergo DNA changes, causing them to grow and multiply rapidly. Pancreatic cancer can also develop from cysts in the pancreas. Unlike healthy cells, cancer cells continue to live and produce more cells, forming a tumor. Over time, the tumor can invade nearby tissue and potentially spread to other parts of the body.
What are the risk factors?
Risk factors for pancreatic cancer may include:
- Smoking
- Type 2 diabetes
- Chronic inflammation of the pancreas
- Family history of DNA changes that can increase cancer risk
- Family history of pancreatic cancer
- Obesity
- Older age (most people with pancreatic cancer are over 65)
- Drinking alcohol
If you are at higher risk for pancreatic cancer, talk to your healthcare provider about ways to reduce your risk. They may suggest maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol.
What are the symptoms?
Pancreatic cancer typically does not cause noticeable symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, but when symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes
- Dark-colored urine
- Itchy skin
- Light-colored or floating stools
- Loss of appetite
- New diagnosis of diabetes or diabetes that is becoming harder to control
- Pain and swelling in an arm or leg
- Tiredness or weakness
- Weight loss
- Belly pain that spreads to the back or the sides
How is pancreatic cancer detected?
“Pancreatic cancer is most often detected with tests such as a CT scan or MRI after a patient has developed symptoms, often followed by a biopsy. Screening for pancreatic cancer involves tests such as MRI to detect the disease in individuals without symptoms, but this is generally only done for patients with inherited DNA changes,” said Zachary Senders, MD, a double-board certified surgical oncologist and general surgeon with Penn Highlands Oncologic and General Surgery. “We also use MRI to closely watch pancreatic cysts for changes that may indicate a higher risk of cancer. The aim is to catch cancer early when it is more treatable, or in the case of pancreatic cysts, to intervene before cancer develops altogether.”
How is pancreatic cancer treated?
Pancreatic cancer treatment depends on the cancer’s stage and location, as well as your overall health and personal preferences. The primary goal is often to eliminate the cancer, if possible. When that is not feasible, the focus shifts to improving quality of life and controlling the cancer’s growth or spread.
Treatment options may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of these. In advanced cases, when these treatments are unlikely to be effective, the focus is on relieving symptoms to keep you as comfortable as possible for as long as possible.
The Hahne Cancer Centers at Penn Highlands Healthcare provide comprehensive cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Penn Highlands’ oncology doctors see patients in Brookville, Clearfield, DuBois, Huntingdon, Monongahela, Punxsutawney, St. Marys, State College and Tyrone, where they also provide outpatient diagnostic testing, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and hematology services. To learn more, visit www.phhealthcare.org/cancercare.