Yes, You Need This Pancreatic Cancer Primer

November 14, 2024

Doctor with human Pancreatitis anatomy model with Pancreas, Gallbladder, Bile Duct, Duodenum, Small intestine

Approximately six inches long, the pancreas is tucked between your stomach and spine. There, it assists in controlling your blood sugar levels by helping to create enzymes that break down food. When cancer settles in, symptoms may only arise after the cancer has spread to nearby organs. You may experience abdominal pain, weight loss or jaundice.

“Because the signs and symptoms are often non-specific, it’s quite hard sometimes to diagnose pancreatic cancer,” says Despina Siolas, M.D., Ph.D., medical oncologist and pancreatic cancer researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. “As a result, patients often present at a later stage.”

What Causes Pancreatic Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, the average age of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis is 70. However, growing older isn’t the only risk factor for the disease.

You’re also at an increased risk of pancreatic cancer due to the following:

Diabetes. Specifically, Type 2 diabetes increases your risk.
Race. African Americans are more likely than white people to have pancreatic cancer.
Family history. While most people who get pancreatic cancer do not have a family history of it, it can run in some families.
Pancreatitis. Living with chronic inflammation of the pancreas ups your cancer risk.
Sex. Men experience pancreatic cancer more often than women.
Smoking. This is one of the most important risk factors.
Weight. Overweight and obese people are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

Additionally, excessive alcohol intake, a lack of physical activity and overconsumption of red and processed meats may increase your risk. More research is needed to confirm these risk factors.

Detecting and Treating Pancreatic Cancer

Diagnosing pancreatic cancer starts with a physical exam. Your provider looks for yellowed skin and other signs of cancer. Then, you may undergo blood tests or imaging exams, such as ultrasound or MRI. A biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis.

Once diagnosed, you work with your provider to develop a treatment plan. Based on your specific cancer and where it has spread, you may benefit from one or more of the following:

Chemotherapy. You take a special medication orally or through an IV. The medication then works its way through your body. As it does, it destroys cancerous cells.
Radiation therapy. A radiation oncologist uses a machine to focus high doses of radiation at cancerous areas. Over a series of treatment sessions, the radiation destroys cancer.
Surgical removal. The surgeon removes part or all of the pancreas. In some cases, the surgeon may also remove nearby lymph nodes and sections of surrounding organs.

Along with these options, newer therapies offer a more tailored approach. Immunotherapy helps your immune system identify and destroy cancer. Ongoing clinical trials go even further. They aim to develop treatment that takes your specific genetic makeup into account.

“One of the most interesting developments is developing personalized care, which we have here at Weill Cornell Medicine,” Dr. Siolas says. “Being able to offer these exciting clinical trials to patients is really a privilege.”

Want help keeping an eye on your pancreas and the rest of your good health? Find a doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine today.