Symptoms and indications of pancreatic cancer in women
In the United States, pancreatic cancer is a significant health concern, accounting for 7% of all cancer-related deaths and being the fourth leading cause of death from the disease [1]. This silent killer is often difficult to detect, as it seldom causes symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, a range of symptoms become apparent.
In advanced stages, both males and females may experience similar symptoms, including jaundice, severe abdominal and back pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, digestive problems, new-onset diabetes or worsening blood sugar control, changes in bowel habits, itchy skin, darker urine, and pale stools [2]. These symptoms tend to intensify as the disease progresses and may require pain management and nutritional support.
Diagnostic confirmation typically involves blood tests, imaging, and biopsy. Blood tests may include tumor markers like CA 19-9, while imaging can involve CT, MRI, or PET scans. A biopsy is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis [1]. It's important to note that a number of underlying conditions may cause nonspecific symptoms, so the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a person has pancreatic cancer.
The 5-year relative survival rate for localized pancreatic cancer (cancer that has not spread past the pancreas) is 44%, while for regional pancreatic cancer (cancer that has spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes), the rate is 15%. Unfortunately, for distant pancreatic cancer (cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body), the 5-year relative survival rate is a grim 3% [3]. However, the survival rate for all stages of pancreatic cancer combined is 12% [4].
The choice of treatment approach depends on various factors, such as a person's age, overall health, the chances of curing the cancer, their feelings about potential side effects, whether surgery can remove the cancer, the presence of other conditions, and the stage of the cancer [5]. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, medications for pain, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and more.
It's crucial to remember that while pancreatic cancer is a serious disease, early detection can significantly improve outcomes. However, doctors do not typically perform pancreatic cancer screenings, even in people with known risk factors. Risk factors include a family history of pancreatic cancer, certain genetic conditions, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, chronic pancreatitis, alcohol consumption, smoking, and diabetes [6].
In 2023, it is estimated that 64,050 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States, with 23,930 of those being females. Tragically, it is estimated that 50,550 people will die from pancreatic cancer in the same year [1].
The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database collects information about cancer survival statistics, and the National Cancer Institute maintains the database [7]. This valuable resource allows researchers to track the incidence and survival rates of various cancers, including pancreatic cancer, and work towards finding better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
[1] American Cancer Society. (2021). Key Statistics for Pancreatic Cancer. [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Pancreatic cancer: Symptoms and causes. [3] American Cancer Society. (2021). Pancreatic Cancer: Stages. [4] American Cancer Society. (2021). Pancreatic Cancer: Survival Rates. [5] American Cancer Society. (2021). Treating Pancreatic Cancer. [6] American Cancer Society. (2021). What Are the Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer? [7] National Cancer Institute. (2021). SEER Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2018.
- Pancreatic cancer, a significant health concern in the United States, accounts for 7% of all cancer-related deaths and is the fourth leading cause of cancer death.
- Early detection of pancreatic cancer can significantly improve outcomes, but doctors typically do not perform screenings, even in individuals with known risk factors.
- Symptoms of pancreatic cancer, which tend to intensify as the disease progresses, may include jaundice, severe abdominal and back pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, digestive problems, new-onset diabetes or worsening blood sugar control, changes in bowel habits, itchy skin, darker urine, and pale stools.
- In addition to pancreatic cancer, various medical conditions, mental health issues, women's health concerned such as menopause, and other health-related topics require ongoing scientific research to improve treatments, survival rates, and, ultimately, find cures.
