Pancreatic Cancer Needs Detection Research
Early Diagnosis is Important to Prognosis of Disease
Feb 5, 2009
As spokesperson for The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Julie Fleshman, the President and CEO, made a statement responding to breaking news about the diagnoses of pancreatic cancer for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Julie Fleshman stated in a press statement that thoughts are with Judge Ginsburg as people learned of her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and surgery. Fleshman went on to say she wished Justice Ginsburg well on her recovery.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network states it is the only national organization that is currently creating hope through community outreach, advocacy, research and patient support.
Fleshman explained that because Justice Ginsberg’s pancreatic cancer was diagnosed in the early stages, the prognosis may be encouraging. Only about 20 percent of pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed early enough to even qualify for surgery. The fact that Justice Ginsburg was diagnosed in a stage early enough for surgical tumor excision is promising.
Fleshman pointed out that this is a reminder that research funding is needed to discover early detection methods. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
Justice Ginsburg is not the only high profile case of pancreatic cancer in the news lately. Actor Patrick Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer early in 2008. Swayze’s cancer is more advanced, according to reports. Swayze himself interviewed with Barbara Walters in January and said that it was a matter of time.
Pancreatic Cancer
According to information on the American Cancer Society website, the pancreas is a large organ located deep within the body, behind the abdomen. Because of its location, early tumors cannot be felt or seen by doctors during examinations. There are usually no symptoms of the disease until the cancer has spread to other organs. Lack of early detection method is considered the main reason that people with this type of cancer often have a poor outlook.
Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer
The causes of pancreatic cancer are largely unknown, but there have been risk factors linked to the disease. Factors that appear to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer include:
- Age (over 55)
- Gender (men have higher risk)
- Race (African Americans have higher risk)
- Smoking
- Diet (high fat and meat seem to increase risk)
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity or exercise
- Diabetes
- Chronic pancreatitis (long-term inflammation)
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Work exposure to certain chemicals
- Family history
- Gene changes
- Stomach problems
While many of these risk factors are beyond people’s control, it may be possible to reduce risk by not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables and exercising.
The high profile cases of pancreatic cancer of Justice Ginsberg and Patrick Swayze spotlight the need for research to find a way to detect the disease in its early stages, when treatment has a better chance of success.
Information in this article is for informational purposes only. The information in this article is not intended as medical advice. Concerns and questions should be directed to a doctor.
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