American Cancer Society predicts that by 2007 some 37,170 people in the United States will have pancreatic cancer and about 33,370 die from the disease. Pancreas is one of the most deadly of all cancers in a survival rate lower. According to the American Cancer Society, only 5% of patients with pancreatic cancer will be alive 5 years after the cancer is. Even for local disease (it has not spread to other organs), the 5-year survival relative to only 16%.
Many people do not know what pancreatic cancer is that they are not familiar with the pancreas. Pancreas is a gland behind the stomach. It is shaped like a fish. There are about 6 inches long and less than 2 inches wide. It extends to the abdomen. Pancreas has two functions. It breaks down fat and protein in the food we eat so your body can use. Pancreas also produces hormones to help balance the amount of sugar in the blood.
Although pancreatic cancer can affect anyone, the American Cancer Society has identified several risk factors for pancreatic cancer:
* Nearly percent of patients with pancreatic cancer are older than the 55th
* Men have this cancer more often than women.
* African-Americans are more likely to have this cancer than are whites.
* The risk of this cancer is higher among smokers.
* It may be associated with the consumption of red meat and pork, especially processed meats (like sausage and bacon).
* Very overweight is 20% higher risk of developing cancer of the pancreas.
* Pancreatic cancer is more common in people with diabetes.
* Some chemicals such as some bug spray, dyes, or gasoline products may increase the risk for this cancer.
* Cancer of the pancreas seems to run in some families. It seems to stand for about 1 in 10.
Some symptoms of pancreatic cancer, according to the American Cancer Society are:
* Pain in the abdomen (stomach) or in the middle of the back is a very common sign of advanced pancreatic cancer. Again, this pain is often caused by something other than cancer.
* Losing weight (without trying) on a number of months is very common among patients with cancer. They may also feel very tired and loss of appetite.
* If the cancer blocks the release of pancreatic juice into the intestine, problems such as difficulty breaking down fat lead in May. Stools May be pale, bulky, greasy, and float in the toilet. Other problems may include nausea, vomiting and pain, which tends to be worse after eating.
* The doctor may find that the gallbladder is enlarged.
Many patients treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to prolong their life. If you have any symptoms, you should consult a doctor for tests. Early diagnosis and treatment can help increase your chances of surviving cancer of the pancreas.

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Tags: american cancer society, cancer of the pancreas, symptoms of pancreatic cancer

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