Pancreatic cancer awareness
Pancreatic cancer is the seventh-most common form of cancer and the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. While there is a small hereditary factor for some people, there are no definitively proven risk factors for pancreatic cancer. With no preventive advice available these statistics are not likely to change.
Also, by the time symptoms such as jaundice or severe abdominal or lower back pain are noticed, the cancer has significantly grown and is most likely inoperable. Even if the tumor is small and removed, the cancer will eventually metastasize elsewhere within the body.
Many people wonder why preventative testing is not available. Unfortunately, the pancreas does not excrete signs of cancer into the blood stream. Therefore, screening tools such as blood tests have not yet been useful. However, researchers continue to work hard on developing some type of predictive test.
Meanwhile, we can try to prevent this terrible cancer by living a healthy lifestyle, getting regular medical checkups, and following up with a physician for any condition change. We can also support the research of the National Institutes of Health and other U.S. government agencies, as well as organizations such as the American Association for Cancer Research and the American Cancer Society. With such focus, we hope to one day lower the rate of pancreatic cancer diagnoses and deaths.
To learn how to get involved with the fight against pancreatic cancer, please visit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org.
Linda M. Walsh, RN, BSN
770-552-6400 x6019
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