Pancreatic Cancer
By: Jack Towell
Description
Pancreatic Cancer is the fourth deadliest cancer diagnosis in the world. Pancreatic Cancer spreads silently which makes it deadly, doctors sometimes won't be able to notice the cancer spreading until it is to late. Pancreatic Cancer can cause back pain, abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, depression, anorexia (loss of appetite), and nausea.
Causes of Pancreatic Cancer
A cell in the Pancreas acquires damage to its DNA that causes the cell to behave and multiply abnormally. A cancer cell grows and divides rapidly becoming a tumor. Cells from the tumor then spread around the body. Some mutations occur randomly while others are caused from the environment. The mutations can also be triggered by behavioral choices, carcinogens in cigarettes can cause damage to the DNA which leads to the cancer.
Treatments
Whipple Procedure
A surgeon removes the head of the Pancreas, parts of the stomach, and small intestine. Difficult procedure used to stop the spread of cancer.
Chemotherapy
Some drugs given to patients with Pancreatic cancer are Fluorouracil, Capecitabine, and Gemcitabine. Drugs given when taking radiation treatment.
Radiation
High energy X-rays are directed to the Pancreas to kill cancer cells. Procedure daily over many weeks
Subgroups
- Pancreatic Cancer affects an equal amount of men and woman after the age of 45
- African-Americans are 50-90% more likely to get Pancreatic Cancer than any other race in America
Prevention and Delay
There is no way to prevent Pancreatic Cancer because it is a mutation inherited from your parents when you are born. However, Carcinogens in cigarettes can cause damage to DNA which brings on the cancer earlier than a nonsmoker. A way to delay Pancreatic cancer is to not smoke.
Editorial
I learned that Pancreatic Cancer is the 4th deadliest cancer diagnosis due to its habit of not showing up until too late. Pancreatic Cancer is not communicable and is caused by DNA mutations. Pancreatic Cancer can be brought on by environmental and behavioral choices.
10 Things You Didn't Know About Pancreatic Cancer | Cancer Research UK