November serves as a month dedicated to empowerment, education, and inspiration for communities impacted by pancreatic cancer. It offers an opportunity to illuminate this disease, amplify voices to raise awareness, and encourage others to join the quest for a cure. This time is devoted to sharing stories to educate the world, raising funds for research, and assuring patients that we will never relent in our efforts.

Symptoms:

Pancreatic cancer symptoms are often and can be mistaken for those of other medical conditions. In its early stages, pancreatic cancer typically does not present any symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment. As the tumor grows, however, one or more common symptoms may become noticeable.

Abdominal and Back Pain

Pain in the upper abdomen (belly) or persistent mid-back pain is common. This is often due to the tumor pressing against the surrounding organs and nerves. This symptom is fairly common and often overlooked, which is why we encourage you to see a doctor if you have pain along with any of the other symptoms.

Jaundice and Related Symptoms

Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by the buildup of bilirubin (a component of bile, produced by the liver) in the blood. Normally, bile is carried through the bile duct into the intestines to help breakdown fats and is expelled from the body in the stool. Pancreas tumors often obstruct the bile duct and cause a buildup of bilirubin. Other signs of jaundice include: dark urine, itchy skin, light-colored stools or stools that are greasy or float.

Nausea and Vomiting

The tumor may press on and partially block the stomach, making it difficult for food to pass through. This blockage can cause pain, nausea and vomiting that is often worse after eating.

Weight Loss or Poor Appetite

Unintended or drastic weight loss is common in pancreatic cancer. There may often be little to no appetite or a change in desired foods.

Digestive Issues

The pancreas is vital for aiding digestion and controlling blood sugar levels. Symptoms such as indigestion, poor appetite, nausea, and changes in stool may indicate a problem the pancreas. A pancreatic tumor can obstruct the pancreatic duct or alter the of pancreatic enzymes, leading to digestive complications.

In advanced stages of cancer, following general symptoms may also occur:

Weakness or feeling very tired
Loss of appetite
Weight loss (also called cancer cachexia)

These symptoms may be caused by pancreatic cancer or by other health problems. People with these symptoms should tell their doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. If the diagnosis is pancreatic cancer, we encourage you to find a medical center that specializes in pancreatic cancer treatment. You are not alone in this diagnosis, we are here to help.

Risk Factors:

Scientists are investigating whether specific genes and genetic mutations contribute to increased risk of pancreatic cancer, as well as how factors such as diet, obesity, and inflammation may accelerate tumor development.

When a cancer diagnosis occurs, it is natural question the potential causes of the disease Physicians cannot always determine why one individual develops pancreatic cancer while another does not. However, it is known that individuals with certain risk factors have a higher likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer.

risk refers to anything associated with an increased probability of developing a disease. Examples include controllable risk factors, such smoking or diet can be modified, and uncontrollable risk factors, such as age or family history. Possessing one more risk factors does not guarantee the development of cancer, just as individuals few or no risk may still develop disease.

Research has identified the following risk factors for pancreatic cancer:

Tobacco Use

Smoking is a significant risk factor for pancreatic cancer, with smokers being nearly twice as likely as non-smokers to develop the disease. The use of cigars, vaping, and smokeless tobacco also contributes to an increased risk. Evidence suggests that the risk decreases smoking cessation. Numerous programs are available to assist individuals in quitting smoking, and consulting a doctor for recommendations is advised.

Diabetes

Individuals with type 2 diabetes, also referred to as adult-onset diabetes, have a higher likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer over time. Type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with obesity. The relationship between type 2 diabetes, obesity, and pancreatic cancer remains unclear but is a subject ongoing research.

Obesity

Individuals who are overweight or obese have a slightly higher likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer compared to others. Obesity is characterized by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above. Studies investigating the relationship between obesity, inflammation and pancreatic cancer demonstrated that obesity induces numerous genetic changes in the pancreas, potentially contributing to the acceleration of tumor development. Additionally, obesity can lead to pancreatic inflammation, which serves as another risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

Chronic Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis refers to the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when digestive enzymes are activated prematurely within the pancreas, leading to irritation and inflammation of its cells. Chronic pancreatitis, a persistent form of pancreatic inflammation, is associated with an elevated risk of developing pancreatic cancer. This condition is frequently linked to excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.

Family history

Research indicates an elevated risk of pancreatic cancer for individuals with a familial history of the disease. This risk is particularly significant when a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer before the age of 50, or if two or more first-degree relatives have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Individuals with such a history are encouraged to pursue genetic and testing to determine potential heightened risk for pancreatic and other cancers. These genetic evaluations can result in modifications to medical management, potentially reducing the likelihood of developing cancer or increasing cancer surveillance aimed at early detection, which improves treatment options and outcomes. Despite history being a risk factor, the majority of pancreatic cancer cases are not associated with familial history.

Race (Ethnicity)

African Americans a slightly higher incidence of pancreatic cancer compared to individuals of Asian, Hispanic, or Caucasian descent. While the correlation remains unclear, non-Hispanic African Americans are more frequently diagnosed with diabetes. Additionally, Ashkenazi Jews demonstrate a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer, potentially linked to a gene mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 hereditary cancer predisposition genes.

Inherited Genetic Syndromes

IInherited gene mutations can be transmitted from parent to child and are responsible up to 10% of pancreatic cancer cases. Certain mutations are associated with syndromes that increase of cancer and other health complications. Researchers are investigating inherited genetic syndromes for their potential links to pancreatic cancer including:

Hereditary breast cancer
Hereditary ovarian cancer
Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome associated with skin and eye melanomas
Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, also linked with polyps in the digestive tract and several other cancers
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

Researchers are also studying:

Familial (hereditary) pancreatitis, usually caused by mutation in the PRSS1 gene but can also be caused by many other genes.
Hereditary Cancer Predisposition. Inherited mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, PALB2, TP53, certain genes associated with Lynch syndrome (MLH1, MSH2, EPCAM and MSH6), CDKN2A, STK11, and APC have been shown to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer and other cancers. There are other genes that have limited data supporting a possible association with increased risk for pancreatic cancer.