Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with a high mortality rate often attributed to late diagnosis. This cancer, referred to as a "silent killer," is among the top causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In India, nearly 7% of global cases were reported in 2020, according to GLOBOCAN data.
November marks Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, an initiative aimed at increasing public knowledge about this disease and encouraging early detection. Dr. Karan Midha, Senior Consultant at Paras Health Panchkula, stresses the importance of awareness and early intervention.
“Pancreatic cancer symptoms, such as mild abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or nausea, are often overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis,” he explains. “Early detection is vital because surgery offers the best survival outcomes, yet only 10-25% of cases are diagnosed in time for surgical treatment.
Public awareness about symptoms and risk factors is key to improving outcomes.” The pancreas, an essential organ in digestion and blood sugar regulation, can develop two main types of cancer: exocrine, which is more common, and endocrine, which is less frequent.
Symptoms like jaundice, back pain, appetite loss, and new-onset diabetes are often mistaken for other conditions. Complicating matters, there are no routine screening tools for pancreatic cancer, making it hard to diagnose in its early stages.
Key risk factors include smoking, obesity, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, age, and a family history of cancer. Dr. Midha advises lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and regular screenings for high-risk individuals.
Advancements in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy are offering hope for advanced-stage patients. Personalized treatments based on genetic mutations are also emerging, though still in their early stages.
This Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, individuals are encouraged to recognize symptoms, reduce risks, and prioritize regular health check-ups. Awareness and proactive measures can significantly improve survival outcomes, helping to combat this devastating disease.