-->

• Pancreatic Cancer is a cancer of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer has the highest fatality rate of all known types of cancer. Following diagnosis, the chance of surviving for five years is below five percent.NCI: SEER Stat Fact Sheets - Cancer of the Pancreas

  In March 2009, researchers reported that there could be a connection between blood type and pancreatic cancer. The research indicated that those with A, A-B, and especially B blood types have a significantly higher incident rate of pancreatic cancer over those with a blood type O.Web MD: Blood Type, Pancreatic Cancer Risk Linked (March 10, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. Color of pancreatic cancer awareness: Purple
  2. Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: November
  3. Cancer with highest fatality rate
  4. Average life expectancy post-diagnosis: 3-5 months
  5. Smoking causes 30% of cases
  6. Risk factors: Age, male, smoking, red meat, obesity, diabetes
  7. 4th leading cancer killer in the U.S.ACS: What Are the Key Statistics About Cancer of the Pancreas?
  8. New U.S. cases: Estimated 37,680 in 2008ACS: What Are the Key Statistics About Cancer of the Pancreas?
  9. U.S. Deaths: Estimated 34,290 in 2008ACS: What Are the Key Statistics About Cancer of the Pancreas?
  10. Lifetime risk of development: 1.27%ACS: What Are the Key Statistics About Cancer of the Pancreas?

• Symptoms and Indicators

  Early symptoms of pancreatic cancer include weight loss of ten pounds or more, dull abdominal and / or back pain, and jaundice. Jaundice without pain may be an indicator of operable pancreatic cancer. Other, less common, symptoms include diabetes, itching, nausea, a change in bowel movements and fever.

• Detection and Treatment

  A physical exam can reveal a mass in the center of the abdomen that may be indicative of pancreatic cancer. Imaging tests, such as abdominal ultrasound and abdominal computed tomography, are required for a more definitive diagnosis, followed by a biopsy and a blood test.

  Depending on the nature, severity, and location of the tumor, surgery may be engaged. Chemotherapy, both in conjunction with radiation therapy and without, may be used both to keep a surgically removed tumor from returning and to reduce an existing tumor.

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have pancreatic cancer, please consult your doctor.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  How to Find an Oncologist | Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate | Cancer | Pancreas | Hormones | Chemotherapy | Radiation Therapy | Jaundice | Patrick Swayze Cancer | Julius Carry III Dead | Russell Crowe Bill Hicks | Bill Hicks | Breast Cancer Vaccine | Patrick Swayze | Esophogeal Cancer | Patrick Swayze Dead

Categories

• View History
• Discuss on the Message Board
• Embed this Page
• Share this page