Pancreatic Cancer: Oncologist shares 9 things to know about symptoms, prevention, & treatment

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect early, but genetic testing and screening can help identify at-risk individuals. The video will cover early symptoms, types, risk factors, prevention, and treatments. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma has a 9% five-year survival rate, while endocrine cancers have a much different course. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Pancreatic cancers are divided into endocrine and exocrine types. Endocrine tumors affect hormone-producing cells, but the focus of this video is on adenocarcinoma, an exocrine tumor that starts in the pancreatic ducts.

Most people don't know they have pancreatic cancer until they are very ill. Key symptoms include jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), dark urine, light-colored stool, abdominal pain radiating to the back (worsened by eating or lying down), digestive issues like indigestion, nausea, weight loss, poor appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen). New-onset diabetes in normal-weight individuals or uncontrolled diabetes can also be warning signs.

Pancreatic cancer is not caused by specific foods or drinks, but genetics play a role, with up to 15% of cases linked to family history. The risk increases two to three times if a parent, sibling, or child had pancreatic cancer. Genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, associated with breast and ovarian cancer, are also highly linked to pancreatic cancer. Several inherited conditions like hereditary pancreatitis and Lynch syndrome also significantly increase risk. Genetic testing and physician consultation are crucial for identifying at-risk individuals.

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor, responsible for about 30% of cases. While specific foods aren't linked, regularly eating high-fat foods increases risk. Maintaining a healthy diet generally protects against illness. Viruses like Hepatitis B and conditions such as cirrhosis are also linked. Other factors include older age, ethnicity, weight, chronic pancreatitis, and diabetes. A healthy lifestyle is especially important for predisposed individuals.

CA19-9 is a tumor marker shed by cancer cells. High levels of CA19-9, measured by a blood test, can indicate pancreatic cancer.

Treatment options include surgery (Whipple procedure or pancreatectomy), chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Surgery is typically for cancers that haven't spread beyond the pancreas. If the cancer has spread, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation is often used. Molecular testing of the tumor can help determine personalized treatment strategies. Palliative care is also beneficial for managing symptoms and planning for the future at all stages of the illness.

Pancreatic cancer can be overwhelming. It's important to prepare questions for your doctor, inquire about genetic testing for at-risk family members, and consider consulting a palliative care expert.