The month of November sheds light on pancreatic cancer’s prevalence, and the research underway to combat it.
November is pancreatic cancer awareness month; a time of empowerment, education, and inspiration for the public and for individuals that have been affected by the disease. The month sheds light on pancreatic cancer awareness, management, and research on treatments, aiming overall to better inform the public on the disease.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer often do not present until after the disease has spread to other organs within the body, making it difficult to catch in the early stages when the chance of curing it is greatest, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Pancreatic cancer month, along with World Pancreatic Cancer Day, observed on November 16, brings greater attention to the disease, raises research funds, and aims to support patients while working toward better health outcomes for a disease that was previously under-researched, according to the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.
Prevalence and diagnosis
Pancreatic cancer begins in the cells of the pancreas, a leaf-shaped organ in the body’s abdomen and near the lower part of the stomach. The pancreas functions to make enzymes that aid digestion, regulate blood sugar, and make hormones such as insulin.
There are two forms of pancreatic cancer, exocrine pancreatic cancer (95% of all cases) and endocrine/pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, also referred to as islet cell tumors. Risk factors such as being overweight, having diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, and certain hereditary conditions increase the chance of developing pancreatic cancer, according to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in America, and The National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program estimates that 64,050 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S in 2023 and that approximately 50,550 deaths will occur.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may initially be difficult to diagnose, according to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. The signs of pancreatic cancer may include pain in the lower abdomen or back, weight loss, jaundice, loss of appetite, nausea, pancreatitis, and recent-onset diabetes. If a patient is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it is important for the individual to visit a healthcare professional.
To diagnose a patient, physicians will perform a physical exam to check for pancreas changes, and possibly order blood, urine, and stool tests. A patient may also undergo an imaging study, such as a CT scan or an MRI, or a biopsy to detect cancer cells and determine if cancer has spread to nearby organs.
According to data published in a journal from the AACR, pancreatic cancer is projected to become the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. by 2030, behind lung cancer. It is critical in the prevention of pancreatic cancer for individuals and communities to be informed on the symptoms of the disease as well as the lifestyle changes that may decrease the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Treatment
Supportive care for those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer focuses on comfort, quality of life, and patient well-being during and after cancer-fighting treatments. Standard treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Disease treatment varies depending on a patient’s health and the progression of the cancer and its size and location.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also approved a targeted therapy drug for pancreatic cancer, and one immunotherapy for a small group of eligible pancreatic cancer patients. However, the treatments have not yet begun to be widely used.
World Pancreatic Cancer Day on November 16 and Pancreatic Cancer Month are two ways that people, organizations, and communities can get involved to make a difference toward disease awareness. Both observances shed a light on the disease and encourage the support of disease research.
Pancreatic cancer is a “understudied malignancy,” according to a 2018 pancreatic cancer study conducted by the National Library of Medicine. The study was conducted to identify gaps in the current understanding of pancreatic cancer and to stimulate further disease research. The incidence of pancreatic cancer is rising, and according to the National Library of Medicine, lifestyle habits can be modified to reduce the risk of developing the disease. Individuals can reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding processed or high-sugar foods, according to the American Cancer Society.
There are many initiatives that currently fund pancreatic cancer research. For example, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has a research grants program, which includes information about clinical trials that those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer may be able to participate in, as well as early detection initiative studies, data research platforms, a patient registry, and a “Know Your Tumor” precision medicine research program.
To make an impact, individuals can donate to organizations such as The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, participate in a nationwide walk for fundraising, create their own fundraiser, or share their personal journey with cancer to support others. Participants can also share facts about pancreatic cancer on social media and donate to make an impact toward further pancreatic cancer awareness.