Dr. Sue Mitra
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Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease that is rarely detected in its early stages.
It is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
It is estimated that more than 60,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer by the end of this year, and more than 48,000 will die from it.
The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is still not well understood.
Factors that increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer include diabetes, smoking, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, a family history of genetic disorders that increase the risk of cancer, a family history of pancreatic cancer, and older age.
Other factors that may increase risk include a diet high in red and processed meats and obesity.
Dr. Mitra’s three previous columns:
Pancreatic cancer forms in the pancreas, an abdominal organ behind the lower stomach.
The pancreas has two main functions. Produces digestive enzymes such as amylase and lipase. It also produces hormones such as insulin that control the storage and utilization of glucose (glucose), the body’s main source of energy.
There are two forms of pancreatic cancer: exocrine and endocrine.
Exocrine cancers account for approximately 95% of all cases.
Endocrine cancers are also known as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors or islet cell tumors.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma accounts for approximately 85% of all pancreatic tumors.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma arises in ductal cells that deliver digestive enzymes produced by pancreatic cells to the duodenum.
Some of these risk factors are out of your control, but here are some lifestyle choices you can make to reduce your risk.
If you smoke, try quitting. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation strategies, including medications, support groups, and nicotine replacement therapy.
Work to maintain a healthy diet. Reduce your risk of cancer by doing cardio every day with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Common presenting symptoms in patients with exocrine pancreatic cancer are fatigue, unintended weight loss, anorexia, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, oily stools, and back pain.
The signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer usually do not appear until the disease is advanced.
This condition is rarely detected in its most curable early stages.
Early detection saves lives. So learn and share pancreatic cancer facts, symptoms, and risk factors to encourage healthy choices and provide guidance on when to get genetic counseling.
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to learn more about the risk factors for this deadly malignancy, encourage community action, and advance research toward a cure.
November is a month of inspiration for the pancreatic cancer patient community.
why wait? Contact your doctor to take appropriate steps to prevent pancreatic cancer, seek immediate intervention, and educate others.
Dr. Sue Mitra is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and has practiced in Brevard County since 2022. She can contact Dr. Mitra at 321-622-6222. She can visit her and book her at www.suemitra.com. Call us today to learn more about pancreatic cancer and assess your risk for the disease.
