Pancreatic cancer has been in the news as some high profile actors such as Patrick Swayze and TV Gameshow Host Alex Trebek battled and are battling this deadly disease publicly. Alex Trebek did a PSA Announcement which you can watch here:
With a five-year survival rate in the single digits, pancreatic cancer is one of the world’s deadliest cancers. The time is now to join us in raising awareness across the globe.
Most 2 important facts about Pancreatic Cancer –
1 – 98% of those that are diagnosed with the disease do not survive.
2 – If found early, pancreatic cancer is more treatable, so be aware of the risks and symptoms and know when you should see a physician. It could save your life!
The pancreas is a gland in the abdomen, located behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It has two main functions:
- Digestion
- Blood sugar regulation
Pancreatic cancer begins when abnormal cells within the pancreas grow out of control and form a tumor. Early detection of the disease can lead to better patient outcomes. And a key to early detection is knowing the risk factors and symptoms.
Pancreatic cancer often doesn’t cause any signs or symptoms in the early stages, which can make it hard to diagnose early. Symptoms can also be vague and may come and go, while the severity can also vary for each person. You may not have any or all of these symptoms.
It’s important to remember that symptoms can be caused by more common things. They can also be caused by conditions such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).
- Abdominal and mid-back pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Change in stool
- New-onset diabetes
- Digestive problems
- Loss of appetite
- Mood Change
The exact causes of pancreatic cancer are not yet well understood. Research studies have identified certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood that an individual will develop pancreatic cancer.
Take this 10‐question test from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to learn more about risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer.
Please help us raise awareness of pancreatic cancer by sharing some vital information with your family, friends, and colleagues!
About St. Michael’s Elite Hospital
As parents and caregivers, we want to ensure our families have the very best choice for emergency healthcare. We are open 24/7, 365 days with little to no wait. We are a full-service hospital and have patient beds should you need to be admitted for further observation. Come see our friendly doctors and nurses and see how different we are!
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