Pancreatic cancer is dangerous

Nutrition Health Review, Spring, 2003

Pancreatic cancer accounts makes up just 2 percent of new cancer cases ill the U.S. but is the fifth leading cause of all cancer deaths because of tile failure to detect it early and because of its rapid growth. Patients may experience several serious symptoms. Abdominal pain, caused by the expanding tumor pressing on surrounding organs, is often worse after eating or lying down. Significant weight loss occurs because the cancer cells deprive healthy cells of nutrients. This problem is compounded by the fact that a diseased pancreas interferes with the body's ability to digest and absorb food. Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, sets in when high levels of bilirubin, a product of worn-out blood cells, accumulates in the blood.

In the later stages, severe itching, nausea and vomiting, and depression also pose problems. Visible symptoms often do not appear until the disease is quite advanced and possibly untreatable.

Although heredity plays a significant role in the development of pancreatic cancer (approximately 10 percent of cases are inherited), in most people the disease occurs as a result of lifestyle. The American Cancer Society says that at least 30 percent of all pancreatic cancers are caused by cigarette smoking. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), a diet high in animal fat and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk, as may exposure to petroleum compounds, obesity, and a lack of physical activity. According to the AICR and the Mayo Clinic, a diet high in meat consumption may also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer (see below).

Age, however, plays the largest role in pancreatic cancer. Most patients are 60 years of age and older. Black men and women are at greater risk than whites and Asians. People of Hispanic descent have the lowest incidences of this disease.

Women, diabetic patients, and people who undergo surgery for peptic ulcers also tend to be at greater risk.

Prevention is not always possible, but certain lifestyle changes may help in reducing the risk. The most important of these changes is smoking cessation. Cigarette smoke contains an untold number of carcinogens than can interfere with proper cell growth.

Excess body fat also puts a person at risk. A slow, steady weight of about one to two pounds a week is the healthiest way to achieve a weight. A healthful diet full of fresh produce is important. Fat should account for no more than 30 percent of the total calories each day, will no more than 10 percent of those coming from saturated fats.