November Shines Spotlight on Pancreatic Cancer, Australia’s Fourth Leading Cause of Cancer Death
Pancreatic cancer takes center stage this month as November marks Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. With the highest mortality rate among all major cancer types, the disease is a significant public health concern. In Australia, it ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer death, claiming the lives of thousands each year. The statistics paint a grim picture, with a one-year survival rate of approximately 20% and a five-year survival rate of just 8%. In 2022 alone, an estimated 4,534 newly diagnosed cases of pancreatic cancer were reported, resulting in roughly 3,541 fatalities.
This deadly cancer presents a unique challenge, as there is currently no recommended population screening program in place. Consequently, early detection remains elusive, and the disease often progresses to advanced stages before symptoms become apparent. The two most effective prevention strategies identified so far involve steering clear of tobacco smoking and maintaining a healthy body weight. However, the etiology of pancreatic cancer still eludes researchers, necessitating continuous efforts to better understand its origins.
Differentiating between the two main types of pancreatic cancer, exocrine and endocrine, is crucial for prompt diagnosis and targeted treatment. Exocrine pancreatic cancers comprise over 95% of cases and present with symptoms that include jaundice, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain radiating to the back, dark urine, light-colored stools, and itchy skin. In rare instances, jaundice in individuals below the age of 40 may be attributed to other conditions such as alcoholism or hepatitis.
Additional symptoms that should raise concern and prompt investigation include acute pancreatitis without alcohol ingestion or evident gallstones, new-onset diabetes, severe and persistent pain, unexplained weight loss, pale and greasy stools, constipation, nausea and vomiting, lethargy, gallbladder enlargement, blood clots in the leg without clear risk factors, and incidental lesions found during radiology imaging.
To ensure timely assessment and diagnosis, patients presenting with jaundice should be referred for tests within 48 hours, while other symptoms necessitate review within two weeks. The general practitioner’s examinations may include abdominal CT scans with a pancreatic protocol, serum CA 19-9 and liver function tests, and early referral, usually prior to making a definitive diagnosis.
In light of the challenges presented by pancreatic cancer, raising awareness about the disease and its symptoms is critical. By empowering individuals to recognize potential warning signs and seek medical attention promptly, we can improve outcomes and increase survival rates. As Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month progresses, let us join forces to combat this devastating disease and strive for a future where pancreatic cancer is no longer a leading cause of cancer death.
Note: This material was prepared by an AI language model and may differ from the original article.
