Pancreatic Cancer

Why in News?

A new experimental pill is offering hope for patients with pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest and hardest-to-treat forms of the disease, and can double the survival time.

• Pancreatic Cancer – It is an aggressive tumour that forms in your pancreas, a gland that aids in digestion.
• Types
  • Adenocarcinoma (exocrine tumours) – This is the most common type, accounts for over 90%.
  • Neuroendocrine tumours – These rare tumours are also called PNETs and are slower-growing.
• Causes – It's not clear what causes pancreatic cancer.
• Risk – Genetic mutations (e.g., KRAS, BRCA1/2), Most cases diagnosed after age 60, Lifestyle factors (smoking, obesity, poor diet), Medical history; and having a family history of pancreatic cancer.
• Symptoms – There aren’t any early signs of pancreatic cancer; it often occurs at a later stage.
• Abdominal/back pain, jaundice, Digestive problems (nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation), Loss of appetite & weight loss, Itchy skin and Fatigue, etc.
• Diagnosis – Imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET, endoscopic ultrasound), Blood tests, Biopsy & Genetic testing. 
• Treatment – It is one of the hardest cancers to treat; we can do surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy & palliative care.

Quick Fact

References

1. Indian Express | A new pill can double survival time for deadliest cancer
2. Cleveland Clinic | Pancreatic Cancer