Prevention of Pancreatic Cancer

There is no way to prevent pancreatic cancer but certain lifestyle changes may help lower the risks of pancreatic cancer. These include: Quit all form of tobacco use. Lose excess body weight. Exercise daily to stay fit. Lower or limit alcohol use. Avoid workplace exposure to chemicals that are known carcinogens.  

The exact cause of most Pancreatic cancers is still unknown but there are established risk factors that greatly increase the likelihood of getting cancer in the pancreas. Most risk factors affect or alter the DNA of the cells that causes abnormal growth of cells; such DNA mutations can also be due to inherited genes. The most common type of pancreatic cancer is Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Risk factors of Pancreatic Cancer: Tobacco use: this includes both smoking and smokeless…

What is Pancreatic Cancer The pancreas is a 6 inch long organ seated behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. The pancreas is responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin and glucagon. When cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably forming a tumor, it is termed Pancreatic Carcinoma. The pancreas is divided into head, body and tail. Cancer can grow anywhere in the pancreas. 60-70% of all tumors occur in the head; 20-25% in the body or tail, and rest are spread…

Types of Pancreatic Cancer There are broadly two types of Pancreatic cancer. It either affects the exocrine gland (the part that makes digestive enzymes) or the endocrine gland (the part that makes insulin and other hormones). Exocrine tumors: These are called Adenocarcinomas and commonly affect the pancreatic ducts. They are the most common type of pancreatic cancer found and account for >90% of all cases. Such cancers include Adenosquamous carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, Giant cell…

In our AsktheDoctor series, Dr Shailesh Shrikhande of Tata Memorial, Mumbai helps us better understand one of the most sudden and deadly cancers - Pancreatic Cancer. Also its relation with diabetes and the need for palliative surgery.  1.    There was a report on rising incidence of pancreatic cancer in India. What are the possible reasons? According to SEER database (2008-2012), incidence of the pancreatic cancer is static globally (including India) and incidence in India…

Endoscopy guru and leading gastroenterologist Dr Vipulroy Rathod’s comprehensive interview on gastrointestinal diseases and cancers makes for an enlightening and interesting read. What is Gastroenterology? Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. Diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which include the organs from mouth to anus, along the alimentary canal, are the focus of this specialty. Physicians practicing in this field are called…

Breast cancer survivor and founder of RACE to rein-in-cancer, Rita Banik talks about how cancer changed her life and why she is passionate about helping others. Here, her thoughts on getting a second opinion, staying active, yoga… and more.  Please tell us a bit about your condition.  I am a breast cancer survivor.  I had a relapse of cancer in 2013, in the sternum bone.  So, I am also a cancer patient presently. When were you first diagnosed? March 2006 What…

By nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju Being overweight has been linked with the increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial (uterus), and colorectal cancer. So keep your BMI at 25 or less with these foods that reduce your waist and your cancer risk: Fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and pulses are rich in vitamins and minerals, boosting your immune system. Go for dark coloured beans (rajma, brown beans, green beans, black-eyed beans) and brightly coloured vegetables and…

A husband recalls his wife’s losing battle with pancreatic cancer. He shares his experience and his advice for families in similar situations. My wife Nirmala, 69, and I had gone on a tour of Eastern Europe, which entailed long trips by bus. Nirmala started complaining of back ache. Well, our reaction was that this was due to sitting in the bus for long spells.  We met our doctor as soon as we got back. The dull back pain persisted. The X-ray showed an inflamed pancreas…