Pancreatic Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the pancreas undergo mutation and multiply abnormally, forming a tumour. The pancreas, a gland in the abdomen, secretes enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help regulate the metabolism of sugars. In this condition, the healthy pancreatic cells stop working, and malignant cells grow uncontrollably.
Dr.Tanvi Sood, Consultant, Medical Oncology, Paras Health says, “Pancreaticcancer is difficult to diagnose in its early stages, which leads to a low survival rate. However, it can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The most common symptoms are jaundice, nausea, and vomiting, diarrhoea, anaemia, inflammation, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, bloating, fatigue, and weight loss.”
Pancreatic cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women. This type of cancer can be caused by various risk factors. These risk factors are mainly lifestyle habits that lead to pancreatic cancer in women.
Smoking
“Smoking is the most common risk factor and a leading lifestyle habit that almost doubles the risk of pancreatic cancer as compared to non-smokers. About 20–30% of pancreatic cancers are caused by the consumption of tobacco,” says Dr. Sood.
Obesity
Obesity also increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by up to 20%. People carrying extra weight are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.
Diabetes
According to Dr. Sood, “Pancreatic Cancer is more likely to occur in patients with diabetes. It is most common in Type 2 Diabetes which is increasing in children and adolescents with increasing obesity.”
Alcohol
Excessive consumption of alcohol can also lead to pancreatic cancer. People who consume alcohol are at a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer than people who do not consume alcohol.
Processed meat
Several studies show that eating processed meat can also increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic Cancer is one of the deadliest cancers due to failed early detection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of cases of pancreatic cancer may increase by up to 12,000 per year by 2030.
