Among all cancers, pancreatic cancer is relatively rare and only accounts for about 3 % in the Unites States. Nevertheless, as the human population gets older in general with an increasing life expectancy, this type of cancer becomes more common and is especially seen in people over 50. The ratio of pancreatic cancer cases between men and women is 2:1. Furthermore, African-Americans are at a slightly higher risk to develop this disease. The symptoms of pancreatic cancer are not necessarily manifesting until the disease already reached an advanced stages. By then the cancer has likely already invaded other parts of the body, such as nearby lymph nodes and the liver. Pancreatic cancer is known for its slow progression; however the prognosis is rather poor. This type of cancer ranks number four in cancer moralities in the US. As for many other cancers, too, we still don't know exactly what causes pancreatic cancer. I poor diet with a high intake of fat, plus alcohol consumption has been identified as possible risk factors. Also, there might be hereditary predispositions that make some ethnic groups more likely to develop this disease than others.
Further to that, smokers and people with chronic pancreatitis are at a higher risk, too. Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer: if the cancer typically originates from the upper part of the pancreas. This causes the patient jaundice and a general itching. Otherwise and in case the cancer growth started from the opposite site - also referred to as the tail of the pancreas, which is the farthest away from the duodenum, the tumor grows longer and bigger before the first early symptoms of pancreatic cancer manifest.
The most commonly named pancreatic cancer symptoms include: abdominal pain, rapid weight loss and discolored stool.
Sometimes a pancreatic cancer symptom is actually symptom of another cancer that originated from the pancreatic cancer.
The cancer is typically relatively easy to identify with CT- and PET-Scans, however, a conclusive diagnosis of the disease can be only obtained by a biopsy.
It is absolutely essential for anyone who got diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, to work toward or maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes a diet high of plant based, whole food products. No or only very little processed foods and alcohol should be avoided in general. Furthermore, regular exercising is highly recommended. Recently, the number of patients who treated their pancreatic cancers with so called alternative or supplemental treatment protocols, have achieved remarkable results. In general, all alternative treatments are based on strengthening the immune system and to support the body’s own ability to heal itself.