Causes & Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Symptoms often don’t occur until the disease is advanced. They may include: ● Abdominal pain that may radiate to the back ● Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss ● Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice) ● Light-coloured, fatty stools ● Dark-coloured urine ● Itchy skin ● New or worsened diabetes ● Blood clots ● Fatigue See your doctor if you are concerned about any unexplained symptoms. Similar symptoms may occur with many other conditions. Remember: Early detection can improve treatment outcomes. Consult your doctor if you experience unexplained symptoms or have a family history of pancreatic cancer.The cause of pancreatic cancer is not clear and research is ongoing.
Some factors which appear to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer have been identified. These include: ● Smoking – has been identified as one of the biggest risk factors ● Family history of pancreatic cancer ● Diabetes ● Increasing age ● Men are slightly more affected by pancreatic cancer than women ● Chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) ● Obesity ● Family history of genetic syndromes that can increase cancer risk One large research study found that the combination of smoking, long-standing diabetes and a poor diet increases the risk of pancreatic cancer beyond the risk of any one of these factors alone*.Can pancreatic cancer be prevented?
The cause of pancreatic cancer appears to be complex and involve many different factors. Some factors, such as family history, genetics, race and age cannot be controlled.However, there are lifestyle changes that you can make to help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer: ● Avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about strategies to help you stop. ● Maintain a healthy weight and get regular exercise. If you need to lose weight, aim for a slow, steady weight loss. ● Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and less fatty foods. If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer, discuss with your doctor whether you would benefit from genetic counselling and screening. Early detection can improve treatment outcomes.
