Pancreatic cancer is less common than many other cancers, but it is among the deadliest. Despite its relatively low incidence, with about 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States, its five-year survival rate remains extremely low—typically 10% or less.
This form of cancer primarily affects older adults. Most individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are over the age of 65. Statistically, men are slightly more likely to develop it than women.
One of the key challenges with pancreatic cancer is early detection. Symptoms often don’t appear until the disease has already spread to other organs. This delayed onset of noticeable symptoms makes early diagnosis difficult and contributes to the cancer’s poor prognosis.
Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas, a vital organ located behind the lower part of the stomach. The pancreas plays two major roles in the body: releasing enzymes to help with digestion and producing hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.
There are several types of tumors that can form in the pancreas, including both benign and malignant growths. The most common and aggressive form is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which starts in the cells lining the ducts that transport digestive enzymes from the pancreas.
Because pancreatic cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages, it is seldom detected when it is most treatable. By the time symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, or jaundice appear, the disease has often advanced significantly.
Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on how far the disease has progressed. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches. The choice of treatment is guided by factors such as the location and size of the tumor, whether it has spread, and the patient’s overall health.
In this video, I explain the development of pancreatic cancer and explore the reasons behind its high fatality rate. Understanding how this disease works is crucial for awareness, early detection, and the advancement of better treatments.
Hello, my name is Oswaldo Restrepo. I am a doctor specializing in occupational health and safety, with training in epidemiology, management systems, and risks.
