Teenagers and young adults who are obese are believed to be high-risk groups for pancreatic cancer.
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KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Pancreatic cancer, is without a doubt, one of the riskiest forms of the tumourous disease.
- A condition that develops gradually without showing any signs, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed in the later stages of the disease when prevention is not easy to achieve – the disease has a shockingly low survival rate of only 6 per cent.
- Also known as one of the most painful forms of cancer, this one happens when cancer cells start to multiply at an abnormally high rate in or around the organ blocking the passages and ducts thereby obstructing proper functioning.
New Delhi: Pancreatic cancer, is without a doubt, one of the riskiest forms of the tumourous disease. A condition that develops gradually without showing any signs, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed in the later stages of the disease when prevention is not easy to achieve – the disease has a shockingly low survival rate of only 6 per cent. Also known as one of the most painful forms of cancer, this one happens when cancer cells start to multiply at an abnormally high rate in or around the organ blocking the passages and ducts thereby obstructing proper functioning.
As risky as it is, one needs to be double sure of whether it is pancreatic cancer or not – and the best way to ascertain is by watching out for the key signs and symptoms.
- Obesity: Teenagers and young adults who are obese are believed to be high-risk groups for pancreatic cancer. Diabetes, too, is a well-known risk factor linked to the disease due to chronic inflammation, excessive hormone secretion and uncontrolled growth factors linked to obesity. A weight loss surgery or a bariatric surgery can help improve blood sugar levels in diabetes patients; likewise it can help mitigate pancreatic cancer risk as well.
- Diabetes: Diabetes, a condition wherein the pancreas stops secreting insulin or releases too much of it into the blood stream to combat blood sugar levels, is strongly linked to pancreatic cancer risk. Many studies back that a small group of people with type-2 diabetes develop pancreatic cancer a year after diabetes diagnosis.
- Exposure to chemicals: Pancreatic cancer, according to several studies, is linked to exposure to toxic environmental chemicals and heavy metals like asbestos, nickel, chromium, benzene, pesticides according to Cancer Causes & Control.
- Chronic pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is when the lower part of the organ suffers inflammation and triggers a great deal of pain. This is often triggered by excessive smoking and alcohol intake and has a role to play in pancreatic cancer as well – majorly when the condition is chronic or hereditary.
The one leading cause of pancreatic cancer
According to several studies, health bodies and researchers, people who smoke cigarettes are twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as opposed to those that abstain from it. One in five cases is attributed to smoking and it is the most modifiable factor associated to disease risk.
Should you see the doctor for pancreatic cancer?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, some symptoms of pancreatic cancer could be major warning sign for you to reach out to a doctor as soon as possible. These include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Chronic fatigue
- Pain radiating from the back to the upper abdomen
- Jaundice
- Light-coloured bowels
- Dark coloured pee
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itchy skin
- Blood clots
- Worsening diabetes
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet