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The pancreas is located in the abdomen, behind the lower stomach. It releases enzymes that help the body digest food and hormones that help regulate blood sugar. According to Harvard Health, about 70% of pancreatic cancers start at the bulbous end of the pancreas. When a tumor blocks the common bile duct — the channel through which the gallbladder and liver discharge — bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream, which is one of the ways pancreatic cancer first makes itself known.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly and aggressive cancer types. According to Harvard Health, only 16% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive more than five years after diagnosis. If the cancer spreads to other organs, that figure drops to just 2%. It is currently the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States and is predicted to become the second leading cause by 2030. The risk is higher for people with a family history of the disease — particularly those with two or more immediate family members diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a relative diagnosed before the age of 50, or a known genetic condition linked to the disease.
One of the key reasons pancreatic cancer is so difficult to treat is that it rarely causes symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, signs begin to emerge. These include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), unintentional weight loss, and blood clots. Other symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, depression, and upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back. In some cases, the disease can also cause itching.
According to the Mayo Clinic, another possible symptom is the onset of diabetes. When diabetes appears alongside weight loss, jaundice, or upper abdominal pain spreading to the back, it may be an early warning sign of pancreatic cancer. Recognizing this combination of symptoms and seeking prompt medical evaluation can be critical, as earlier detection — even at a relatively advanced stage — significantly improves the chances of receiving effective treatment.
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About Sai Sree
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