Pancreatic cancer is largely believed to be an age-related disease, but recent data suggests that the cases have risen especially among younger women. Dr Shruthi Reddy, Consultant HepatoBiliary-Pancreatic and Liver Transplant Surgeon, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, says the cancer registry data, especially from the US, shows that the cancer rate has gone up in young women (less than 50 or 55 years).
Pancreatic cancer in women
However, experts say the data is not significant enough to cause any alarm. Dr Jordan Winter, Director Surgical Services, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, USA, adds researchers only observed rising cases in younger women, under 55. “In older women, the incidence rates are rising faster than men, but overall, the actual rates are still lower than men,” he clarifies.
Dr Reddy says the exact reason for the observational data which shows that cases have risen by 2.4 per cent among young women is unclear. But she adds that it could be due to unhealthy lifestyle factors like increase in smoking and alcohol consumption.
Most cases of pancreatic cancer are observed in people over 55 years old. Dr Winter says, “It occurs due to accumulation of mutations in pancreatic cancer cells over time. Most of those genetic mutations are inconsequential and cause no harm. However, some of them can affect the genes that are important for cell growth. If that happens, it is a random and unfortunate event that over time can lead to cancer.”
Risk factors for pancreatic cancer
Some people are born with a genetic mutation putting them at risk for cancer. Besides that, a few behaviours or risk factors that can cause pancreatic cancer include:
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Poor diet
- Lack of exercises
- Chronic pancreatitis
Dr Reddy says, “When the tumor grows or when there is metastasis, the symptoms will get more prominent. Pancreatic cancer can itself cause diabetes as it affects the rest of the pancreatic gland. There can also be some digestive issues.”
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
- Pain in the abdomen
- Pain radiating from the abdomen to the back
- Back pain
- Diabetes
The survival rate depends on the stage of cancer. Dr Winter says the lifespan of a person with pancreatic cancer can be extended with modern treatments. “If it is detected early and surgery is an option, they can often live several years and many make it to the five-year point or longer. If a person is diagnosed with stage IV cancer or the cancer has spread, then survival beyond two years is rare,” he says.
Pancreatic cancer treatments
Experts say treatment options that include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are given in different circumstances. Most of the time, all three are provided. Dr Reddy says that the treatment options are suggested based on the location of tumor on the pancreas. “If it is periampullary cancer (cancer affecting head of the pancreas), we usually do surgery, called pancreaticoduodenectomy. If it is a cancer on the distal part or body or tail of the pancreas, we do distal pancreatectomy, another oncological procedure. Chemotherapy is also usually given after the surgery. But sometimes, if the cancer is quite advanced or has spread to blood vessels, we give chemotherapy or radiation even before the surgery and also follow up surgery again with more chemotherapy sessions,” she explains.
In rare instances, the entire pancreas may be removed. Dr Winter says, “A person without a pancreas needs to take supplemental enzymes when eating. They also need to take insulin because they automatically have diabetes. Insulin management is now becoming so effective with modern devices that one can live a normal lifestyle, even if they don’t have a pancreas.”
Takeaways
- Recent data suggests that the cases of pancreatic cancer are rising among younger women.
- Experts say higher incidences of smoking and alcohol consumption could be the possible causes.
- Usually, cases of pancreatic cancer are observed in people over 55 years.
- It occurs due to certain gene mutations that affect cell growth and lead to cancer.
- Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, alcohol, obesity, poor diet, lack of exercises and chronic pancreatitis.
- Treatment is recommended based on the stage of cancer and its location on the pancreas.
