On the third Thursday of November every year, World Pancreatic Cancer Day is observed across the globe which aims to create awareness of the deadliest type of cancer affecting many lives globally. This year, it falls on November 17. Presently, pancreatic cancer is on the verge of becoming the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. Under the theme ‘It's About Time,' this year’s campaign focuses on making people informed about this lethal illness. By sharing the facts and becoming cognizant of this formidable disease, each one of us can come together and help reduce mortality by fighting pancreatic cancer which has been killing many people around the world. Despite a staggering mortality rate and numerous people getting affected, unfortunately, there is no sure-shot way that can detect it in the early stages. Survival rates of this disease are low because most of people are diagnosed in advanced stages when it has metastasized and turned fatal. Therefore, raising awareness on precautionary measures can help in the prevention of this cancer form has become crucial.
Also Read: 7 Early Warning Signs Of Pancreatic Cancer
Shop From Our Wide Range Of Health Supplements
Here are certain facts that one must know about pancreatic cancer:
- Pancreatic cancer is often detected late as the symptoms become noticeable once it has spread to other organs in the body
- Only a small percentage of patients say about fifteen percent fall into the potentially curable group
- Difficulties arise in the early detection of this cancer because of its location is deep within the abdomen
- This type of cancer may cause no symptoms or symptoms are vague and may be misdiagnosed
- Most early-stage pancreatic cancers are detected incidentally during scans for other conditions of the abdomen
- There is a relationship between breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Defined as a BRCA mutation, it increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. About six percent of people with pancreatic cancer are found with a BRCA mutation
- Primarily, pancreatic cancer is of two types. One is exocrine cancer and the second is pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. About ninety percent of pancreatic cancer cases are exocrine cancers
Who Is At Risk?
While it is not clear why pancreatic cancer develops, the risk increases if one or more family members are affected with pancreatic cancer or other specific cancerous conditions. The other reasons why one can develop this illness are:
- Repeated chronic pancreatic inflammation
- Inherited genetic syndromes
- Long-standing diabetes
- Chronic and hereditary pancreatitis
- Smoking history
- Diets high in processed or red meats
- Obesity
- Excessive intake of sugary drinks
- History of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer
- People who are over the age of sixty
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
Also Read: Pancreatic Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment
Can Pancreatic Cancer Be Prevented?
No way can help prevent pancreatic cancer since risk factors such as gender, race, age, and inherited genetic syndromes cannot be controlled. However, there are things you can do that might lower the risk are:
Eat A Nutritious Diet
Our body needs an abundance of vitamins and minerals to keep it up and running smoothly. A diet full of fruits and vegetables with whole grains is replete with nutrients besides folate, carotenoids, and fiber that help reduce the risk of this cancer. One should eat them plenty and consume lesser quantities of processed and red meat.
Quit Smoking
Smoking has been shown to bring many ill health effects not only to the lungs but also to other parts of the body. If the body shows any symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, or indigestion problems, it is best to completely quit smoking.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Consumption of heavy alcohol can lead to health problems like chronic pancreatitis, which further leads to chances of risk of pancreatic cancer. Cirrhosis of the liver is also one of the major causes of excessive alcohol use. Limiting the use of alcohol is essential more so as one age.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the prime causes of many health problems and pancreatic cancer is one of them. An exercise regimen combined with a balanced diet helps the body to maintain a healthy weight. A minimum of 25 minutes of physical activity a day may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
