Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a serious form of cancer that arises in the tissues of the pancreas. It is one of the most deadly forms of cancer and has a low survival rate. Early detection and treatment are crucial to improving the prognosis for people with pancreatic cancer.
Disease Profile of Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas is an important gland that produces enzymes to help digest food and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer can arise in the cells of the pancreatic ducts or in the cells that produce hormones. It is usually difficult to detect in the early stages and spreads rapidly to other organs.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be subtle and may include abdominal pain or discomfort, weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice, nausea and vomiting, changes in bowel habits, yellowish skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), or pale stools and darker urine. Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of physical examination, blood tests, and imaging methods such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy.
Risk factors
Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, age (risk increases with age), family history of pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, hereditary genetic syndromes, and excessive alcohol consumption. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, and certain chemicals can also increase the risk.
Prevention
Since the causes of pancreatic cancer are not fully understood, there is no sure method to completely prevent the disease. Avoiding risk factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can reduce the risk.
Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer
Treatment of pancreatic cancer may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other medical procedures. Treatment depends on the type and stage of pancreatic cancer as well as the patient’s overall health and other factors.
Support and Follow-up
Living with pancreatic cancer can be a physically and emotionally challenging experience. Support from loved ones and professional care are important for managing the disease and its treatment. Regular follow-up visits with an oncologist or gastroenterologist are also necessary to monitor the progress of the disease and adjust treatment as needed.
Newly Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer: What You Need to Know
Being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer can be overwhelming, but there are resources and support available to help you manage the disease. Take time to understand your diagnosis, create a management plan, and seek support from loved ones and organizations like Lycenna for additional guidance.
Lycenna can help you reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer through early detection and preventive measures. For individuals at high risk, especially those recently diagnosed with diabetes, we offer the advanced screening test Avantect. This test is a simple blood test designed for early detection of pancreatic cancer. In addition to the screening test, we also offer tailored health check-ups and lifestyle advice to reduce your risk.
Lycenna can help you if you have pancreatic cancer by offering tailored medical expertise and support throughout your treatment journey. Our medical team works to ensure that your treatment is in line with the latest research and guidelines for pancreatic cancer treatment. We offer continuous monitoring, support, and coordination of treatments, including second opinions from world-renowned experts to ensure the best possible care. We can accompany you on important healthcare visits to ensure that you get answers to all your questions and that the care you receive aligns with any recommendations we may have made in collaboration with international experts. We can also review whether there are opportunities for you to be included in clinical trials of new treatment methods if alternatives are exhausted.
Lycenna can continue to be a valuable resource for you even after you have had pancreatic cancer. We offer long-term follow-up and support to monitor your recovery, prevent recurrence, and manage any side effects or long-term complications of treatment. Our team can help you develop an individualized recovery plan that may include regular check-ups, support for mental and emotional health, and any necessary continued treatment or rehabilitation. We are here to support you throughout your journey towards health and well-being after pancreatic cancer.
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