Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells form in the pancreas and begin to grow uncontrollably. The pancreas is about 6 inches long and 2 inches wide, starting on the right side of the body behind where the stomach meets the small intestine, extending behind the stomach, and ending near the spleen.
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 50,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year, and more than 40,000 die from it. While pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancer diagnoses, it causes about 7% of all cancer deaths.
Depending on the type and stage of pancreatic cancer, treatment options may include surgery, ablation or embolization treatments, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other targeted drug therapies.
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Currently, there is no routine screening test for pancreatic cancer for people without symptoms. Most cases are diagnosed after symptoms appear or during imaging for other conditions. If you have symptoms or a strong family history, talk with your doctor to determine if specialized testing or genetic counseling is right for you.
You may be at higher risk for pancreatic cancer if you:Â
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer often do not appear in early stages and may be subtle at first, making them hard to detect.Â
MOST COMMON WARNING SIGN:
OTHER SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:Â
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if you are at high risk, please talk to your doctor to discuss your screening options.Â
Clinical trials are research studies that involve human beings in order to test new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose or treat diseases. A drug must be part of a clinical trial before the FDA will approve it to be put on the market. Oncology clinical trials are conducted in order to test new drugs or a new combination of drug treatments, new surgery and radiation therapies and new medical devices.
Every cancer center patient is evaluated for participation in a clinical trial. Those who meet the criteria to participate in clinical research receive a standard of care treatment, but with the added benefit of a trial that may enhance their outcomes.
If interested in volunteering to participate in a clinical research trial, or if you have concerns about the conduct of clinical research, please contact the Clinical Research office at (225) 215-1353, or by email at clinicalresearch@marybird.com.