2023-09-10 15:17:52
Pancreatic Cancer Can Cause Digestive Issues, Says Medical Expert
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that affects the pancreas, a vital organ responsible for producing hormones and digestive enzymes. According to a new report published by medical website OnlyMyHealth, Dr. Sandeep Nayak B, director of the department of surgical oncology, robotic and laparoscopic surgery at Fortis Hospital in Bengaluru, stated that pancreatic cancer can lead to stomach problems due to its effect on the digestive system.
The pancreas plays a crucial role in the body by producing hormones like insulin and glucagon that regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, it secretes digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down food in the small intestine, facilitating nutrient absorption. However, when pancreatic cells begin to grow uncontrollably, it can lead to pancreatic cancer, which disrupts the normal functioning of the pancreas.
The World Cancer Research Fund highlights that pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer globally, with more than 495,000 new cases reported in 2020. The disease appears to be more prevalent among men than women, with an incidence rate of 5.5 per 100,000 men and 4.0 per 100,000 women, according to a study published in the International Journal of Oncology.
Dr. Nayak confirms that pancreatic cancer can indeed affect the digestive system, causing changes in bowel habits. As the cancer progresses, the pancreas may hamper its ability to release digestive enzymes, leading to difficulties in digestion and waste elimination. Symptoms associated with changes in bowel habits due to pancreatic cancer include decreased appetite or early satiety, unexplained weight loss, changes in stool consistency (diarrhea, liquid stool, or pale, oily stool), indigestion, bloating, discomfort after eating, glucose imbalance, and diabetes-like symptoms.
There are several common risk factors that increase the chances of developing pancreatic cancer. These include age (people over 45 years old), a family history of pancreatic cancer, smoking, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, high consumption of red and processed meat, a low intake of fruits and vegetables, alcohol consumption, and exposure to certain chemicals.
To reduce the risk of advanced pancreatic cancer, which refers to the stage where the cancer has spread beyond the pancreas, Dr. Nayak suggests various strategies. Firstly, individuals should visit a doctor if they experience symptoms such as abdominal pain. It is also important to evaluate one’s risk factors, such as getting a PET-CT or three-phase CT scan of the abdomen to rule out pancreatic cancer and undergoing an ultrasound scan, which can help detect the disease in its early stages. Additionally, regular health examinations and doctor visits can aid in early diagnosis and timely treatment.
While pancreatic cancer can be fatal, early detection and intervention significantly enhance the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, individuals should not ignore persistent symptoms associated with cancer, even if they may be misdiagnosed with benign conditions, as timely treatment is crucial.]
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