Cancers of the exocrine pancreas are a very serious health issue in the
United States where approximately 27,000 patients are diagnosed annually with
pancreatic cancer while about the same number die annually from this disease.
Due to difficulties in diagnosis, the intrinsic aggressive nature of pancreatic
cancers, and the sparse systemic treatment options available, only approximately
4% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma will be alive five years
after diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths
following breast cancer; lung cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. Because
of the extremely poor prognosis for the majority of individuals with pancreatic
cancer, it is very important that patients be offered the opportunity to
participate in clinical trials. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed
with pancreatic cancer, speak with your physician regarding any trials in which
you or your loved onemay be eligible to participate.
Risk Factors
The risk of developing cancer of the pancreas is usually low before the age of
40, but the risk subsequently increases sharply, with most people diagnosed
between their sixties and eighties. Risk factors for the development of this
disease include environmental factors, medical/surgical factors, genetic
factors, and occupational exposures.
The presence of a risk factor does not necessarily mean that an individual
will develop cancer, nor does the absence of risk factors mean that an
individual will not develop cancer.
Age: The incidence of pancreatic cancer is relatively low in
individuals up to age 50, after which it increases significantly. The age
group 65 - 79 has the highest incidence of cancer of the pancreas.
Smoking: Smokers develop pancreatic cancer more than twice as often
as nonsmokers.
Diet: Frequency of pancreatic cancer may be associated with high
intakes of meat and fat.
Medical factors: Pancreatic cancer is more common among individuals
with histories of the following conditions: cirrhosis (a chronic liver
disease), chronic pancreatitis, diabetes and a history of surgery to the upper
digestive tract.
Environmental factors: Long-term exposure to certain chemicals, such
as gasoline and related compounds, as well as certain insecticides, may
increase the risk of developing cancer of the pancreas.
Genetic predisposition: Possibly 3% of cases of pancreatic cancer
are related to genetic disorders.
Symptoms
The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is usually delayed because symptoms are
nonspecific. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin) is present in approximately half
of the patients at the time of diagnosis and may be associated with a
less-advanced disease. Other symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, discomfort
in the abdomen, loss of appetite, and glucose intolerance.
In addition, the patient may experience pain in the abdomen and back. The
pancreas may produce too much insulin, causing such symptoms as dizziness,
weakness, diarrhea, chills, or muscle spasms.
The patient may not even notice the gradual onset of these relatively
nonspecific symptoms. The doctor may interpret them as being caused by something
else.
