NOVEMBER IS PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

PRESS RELEASES   11/1/2023

Did you know that 32,180 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year? Pancreatic cancer is a common cancer. However, it is very difficult to detect early and even more difficult to treat. The symptoms presented by pancreatic cancer are often very similar to that of many other illnesses, and they don't always show until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. It is typically diagnosed in advanced stages, partly because its symptoms—jaundice, weight loss, abdominal pain and fatigue—are similar to other conditions and difficult to diagnose as cancer. There is sometimes a delay in diagnosing pancreatic cancer because pancreatic cancer symptoms are similar to those of many other illnesses. Pancreatic cancer symptoms also experienced include: Weight loss Glucose intolerance Fatigue Abdominal discomfort or pain Pancreatic cancer is one of the more stubborn cancers to diagnose and treat. Early detection is rare, thus treatment is limited. Unfortunately, there are no medically backed methods of preventing pancreatic cancer. However, avoiding the risk factors for it is the best defense we have. Avoiding the risk factors for any disease is the first step in prevention. One of the most avoidable risk factors for pancreatic cancer is smoking. Smoking is responsible for 30% of pancreatic cancer cases. Diet and exercise are also key in any cancer prevention. Be sure to include lots of fruits and veggies in your diet. Avoiding or eating meats that are processed or high in fat is ideal. Information Provided by: www.pancan.org http://cancer.about.com/od/pancreaticcancer/a/pancreaticsympt.htm