The President of Sandler-Kenner Foundation explains the formation of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is a disease that requires early diagnosis and treatment to increase the survivability of victims. This type of cancer affects the pancreas, and can impair the function of the pancreas which includes secretion of glucagon and insulin in the bloodstream, among other functions. Early treatment in a cancer care center is needed to help cure this disease. But, most importantly, one should know the factors that increase one’s risk for developing this cancer.
“Pancreatic cancer has varied causes,” explains Dr. Gregory Echt, one of the physicians behind the Sandler-Kenner Foundation and the founder and lead surgeon at Choice Cancer Care. “But there’s no one risk factor to be linked to an individual’s diagnosis.”
The factors that contribute towards the development of pancreatic cancer are:
• Smoking – It’s one of the strongest connections to lifestyle and pancreatic cancer. Research shows that smokers are double exposed to the risk of having pancreatic cancer than non-smokers.
• Genetics – Family history plays a great role in pancreatic cancer. About 5 to 10 percent of patients with pancreatic cancer have someone in their family with the disease.
• Obesity – Being inactive and having poor eating habits can increase the risk of someone developing pancreatic cancer. Working out and a well-balanced diet can help prevent it.
As it is with most forms of cancer, early detection is essential for a positive outcome,” says Dr. Echt. “With no widespread screening tool available for pancreatic cancer, it is important for people at risk to understand those risks and symptoms that might show the presence of cancer.”
Going for early diagnosis and treatment is essential. At Sandler-Kenner Foundation, the types of treatment available include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
