A lot is going on in the world of pancreatic cancer. This year, about 67,400 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed, with nearly 52,000 succumbing to the disease, according to estimates from the American Cancer Society.
Pancreatic cancer arises from abnormal cell growth in the pancreas, which is crucial for digestion and regulating blood sugar levels.
Sadly, this cancer is extremely aggressive, and a mere 13% of patients survive five years post-diagnosis. Early detection is quite challenging.
“The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen, and early signs like back pain or weight loss are vague, often mistaken for other health issues,” noted Dr. Diane Simeone, the director of the Moores Cancer Center in San Diego.
Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, is another prominent sign of pancreatic cancer, which underscores the importance of screening.
What is jaundice?
Jaundice happens when there’s too much bilirubin—a yellow compound made when the body breaks down old red blood cells—in the blood.
The liver plays a key role in eliminating bilirubin.
A tumor can obstruct the bile duct, affecting liver function and causing bilirubin to build up.
The yellowing in the eyes is often one of the first signs, along with possible yellowing of the skin and mouth. Patients might also experience dark urine, pale stools, and, occasionally, itchy skin or stomach discomfort.
“When bilirubin isn’t expelled, it darkens the urine and can prevent proper digestion, leading to pale stools,” Dr. Simeone explained. “Itching can occur when bile acids accumulate in the skin.”
Stomach pain may occur if tumors block the bile ducts.
What else could jaundice indicate?
High bilirubin levels often suggest liver issues, which can stem from hepatitis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.
Other possible causes include gallstones in the bile duct, specific blood disorders, infections, certain medications, or genetic issues. Newborns can show jaundice due to an underdeveloped liver.
For pancreatic cancer, jaundice is common when a tumor in the pancreas prevents normal bile flow.
How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?
Screening is typically recommended for individuals with genetic predispositions or conditions like chronic pancreatitis.
Doctors utilize MRIs, CT scans, and endoscopic ultrasounds to identify potential tumors.
If a tumor is found, a biopsy can confirm if it is cancerous.
“Certain blood tests can aid in diagnosis, such as liver function tests or tumor markers like CA 19-9,” Dr. Simeone pointed out. This marker can be released by pancreatic cancer cells into the bloodstream.
The overarching objective is to discover early detection methods, such as blood tests, that can catch the disease as early as possible.
Dr. Simeone leads the Early Pancreatic Cancer Consortium, which is researching over 9,500 high-risk individuals to enhance early detection efforts.
The aim is to boost the five-year survival rate from 13% to 50% through collaborative studies and the development of new screening techniques.
What are the treatment options for pancreatic cancer?
Treatment depends on the stage of cancer when diagnosed and could include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, or palliative care.
“Surgical resection is often the best option before the cancer spreads,” Dr. Simeone stated. “Early detection is key, and that’s our primary focus.”
