Causes of Pancreatic Cancer
Although
the exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not known, smoking is the main
risk factor, with smokers at least 2 times more likely to have the
disease than nonsmokers. Age is also related, with the disease usually
striking after age 45. Diabetes is also linked to pancreatic cancer
since it's a risk factor
and as a symptom of the disease. Other
risks include chronic pancreatitis and cirrhosis of the liver. And
family history of pancreatic cancer, high fat diet, obesity, and lack of
exercise may also play a part.
Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer
The
challenge of this disease is finding it early. A doctor cannot see or
feel a tumor during a routine exam. To help make the diagnosis (and
determine the most appropriate treatment), imaging tests are performed
(such as an ultrasound or CT scan) to view pictures of the abdomen and
determine the extent of the problem. The green region shown in this
colorized CT scan appears to be cancer in the pancreas and liver. The
diagnosis comes from a biopsy -- taking a tissue sample from the tumor
-- performed either with a needle through the skin or during an
operation.
Treatment: Surgery
Surgery
can cure the cancer if it has not spread past the pancreas. Since side
effects depend on the extent of the surgery, the tumor is removed
leaving as much of the normal pancreas intact as possible.
Unfortunately, with pancreatic cancer, the malignant cells usually have
spread past the pancreas at the point of diagnosis. Surgery still may be
performed, even if the tumor is too large to remove. The surgery would
involve procedures to help lessen some of the symptoms and prevent
certain problems related to the size of the cancerous mass.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation
therapy uses high-powered radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation is
usually given five days a week for several weeks or months. This
schedule helps to protect normal tissue by spreading out the total dose
of radiation. Radiation is also being studied as a way to kill cancer
cells that remain in the area after surgery. Radiation therapy can help
relieve pain or digestive problems caused by large cancerous masses.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy
uses drugs to destroy cancer cells and stop them from growing or
multiplying. Treatment may consist of just one drug or a combination of
drugs. It may be given by mouth or by injection. The drugs enter the
bloodstream and travel through the body, making chemotherapy a good
choice for cancer that has spread. It is also useful after surgery to
kill any cancer cells left behind.
Palliative Therapy
Palliative
therapy is used to ease symptoms and manage pain regardless of the
stage of the disease or the need for other therapies. The goal of
palliative care is to improve quality of life not just in the body, but
in the mind and spirit. While palliative therapies are clearly
appropriate at the very advanced stages of the disease, they are also
helpful when given in tandem with other cancer treatments still working
to fight the disease.
Getting Support
Living
with pancreatic cancer isn't easy; a support system is critical to help
cope with the emotional and practical aspects of this aggressive
disease. Many avenues for support exist within the local community and
beyond, both for the patient and their family and friends.
Prevention Steps
Although
there's no one definite action you can take to prevent pancreatic
cancer, start by avoiding the risk factors you can control.
- Quit smoking, if you do.
- Have healthy less fat diet and more of fibre.
- Adopt a regular exercise routine, since exercise can help prevent diabetes and obesity -- two risk factors for the disease.
THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE
HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.
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