Pancreatic Cancer (Part Two)

Some risk factors include:

• Age: - The likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age. Most of them occur over the age of 60.
•  Smoking - smokers are 2-3 times more likely than non-smokers to develop pancreatic cancer.
•  Diabetes – Pancreatic cancer occurs more frequently in people with diabetes than those without.
• Male gender – more men than women have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
• Family history – the risk of developing pancreatic cancer triples when a person's mother, father, sister, brother have had this disease. Also, a family history of colon (intestinal) or ovarian cancer increases the risk for pancreatic cancer.
• Chronic pancreatitis - Chronic pancreatitis is a painful condition of the pancreas. Some studies have shown that chronic pancreatitis increases the risk for its cancer.
• Other studies have suggested that exposure to certain chemicals in workplaces or a diet high in fats may increase the chances of having pancreatic cancer.
• Many people with known risk factors do not get pancreatic cancer. On the other hand, people who develop pancreatic cancer may not have known risk factors. People who think they have risk factors may consult their doctor. They may suggest ways to reduce risks and provide the appropriate tests.

Symptoms(signs)

Pancreatic cancer is often called the "silent disease" because early-stage pancreatic cancer often does not show any signs.

But as the cancer grows and develops symptoms(signs) may include:

• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Dyspepsia
• Pain in the upper abdomen or back
• Nausea or vomiting
• Jaundice
• Back pain
• Yellowing of the skin, eyes, and dark urine
• Weight loss
• Discolored feces
• Thrombophlebitis or unexplained clots

These symptoms are not certain to be pancreatic cancer. Other problems can also cause these symptoms(signs). Anyone with signs should definitely see a doctor so the problems can be treated as early as possible.

Diagnosis

If the patient has symptoms(signs) suggesting pancreatic cancer, the medical history is important for the doctor. The doctor may request several procedures including: