Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world and the number of its patients is increasing rapidly in India. The painful truth is that the more common this disease is becoming, the less understood and less aware it is.
The initial symptoms of pancreatic cancer are very mild and many times people are not able to understand them. People consider sour belching, back pain, slight burning sensation in the stomach and fatigue as normal things. This is the reason why pancreatic cancer is called ‘silent cancer’.
Dr. Raman Narang (Consultant Medical and Hematology Oncology, MOC Cancer Care and Research Centre, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi) said that now the picture of cancer care is changing. Precision oncology, genetic testing, and age-specific tests help understand who is at higher risk for pancreatic cancer, why early changes are important, and how families can protect themselves.
Early symptoms of pancreatic cancer
Doctor Narang said, “Most of the patients I see have the same story. Doctor Sahib, I think it is just the effect of age, stress or gas problem.”
- unexplained weight loss
- Sudden increase in sugar level (new diabetes after the age of 50 is a special sign)
- loss of appetite
- light colored stools
- Jaundice
All these symptoms appear common when seen separately, but if they occur together, immediate investigation is necessary.
Why is precision oncology important?
Pancreatic cancer is often affected by genetic changes, and today many of these changes are treatable. Modern cancer care now starts not just with chemotherapy, but with molecular testing. This shows.
- Changes in DNA repair genes (BRCA1/2, PALB2)
- Which patients will benefit from targeted therapy?
- Who is immunotherapy suitable for?
- Which cancer patterns run in families?
Today, genetic testing is considered very important for every pancreatic cancer patient, regardless of age. Elderly patients should not ignore it considering it to be an effect of age. The biggest challenge in geriatric oncology is that people consider symptoms as normal due to age. Not only is there back pain, loss of appetite is common at this age, but the truth is that pancreatic cancer progresses differently in the elderly. Today, frailty assessment helps determine safe, individualized treatment for elderly patients. Many people get proper treatment even at the age of 70-80 years and get cured.
pancreatic cancer in youth
The risk of pancreatic cancer is also increasing among the youth. Although this disease is less common in youth, when it occurs, these reasons are often found.
- genetic syndrome
- smoking
- obesity
- chronic pancreatitis
- high-fat diet
- excessive alcohol consumption
In young patients, fertility preservation, genetic counseling and long-term health planning are necessary before treatment. Doctor Narang told that an incident which changed my thinking. ‘A few years ago a 58-year-old patient came. There was only complaint of mild indigestion and sudden increase in sugar. They thought it was work stress, nothing else. But investigation revealed that the cancer had progressed significantly. One of his words still sticks with me today, “I wish I had taken these little hints seriously.” This is why awareness is very important.
Ways to prevent pancreatic cancer
- maintain a healthy weight
- quit smoking
- limit alcohol
- keep diabetes under control
- Increase fiber and plant-based foods
- Be sure to tell your family medical history to the doctor.
- Get genetic testing done when advised
What not to do in pancreatic cancer
- Do not ignore new symptoms that last more than 2-3 weeks
- Don’t assume that pancreatic cancer only occurs in the elderly.
- Repeatedly avoid testing by mistaking it for gas and acidity.
- Do not rely only on home remedies for ongoing digestive problems.
- The sooner you recognize, the better results you will get.
- Awareness, right decisions and timely action
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Disclaimer: (The tips suggested in this article are for general information only. Before starting any kind of health-related fitness program or making any changes in your diet or taking any measures related to any disease, please consult your doctor. NH does not confirm the authenticity of any kind of claim.) |