NOVEMBER

PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: FIVE MAJOR RISK FACTORS AND FIVE IMPORTANT SYMPTOMS

Welcome back to HEALTH AND #WELLNESS WEDNESDAY everyone! It’s time to don our Purple and discuss another cancer that is the thirteenth most commonly diagnosed one in the world — Pancreatic Cancer.

Now, in this country pancreatic cancer is the tenth most common cancer among men and women. It affects men more than women and is uncommon before the age of forty. Indeed, this cancer typically strikes individuals around the age of seventy. It is, however, what I call one of the “silent” cancers in that it often remains asymptomatic and undiagnosed until it is more advanced.

To begin, the pancreas lies horizontally behind the lower part of the stomach. It is actually an organ comprised of two glands which manufacture important secretions vital to the proper functioning of other body parts. First, as an exocrine gland, the pancreas produces and secretes digestive enzymes and alkaline agents. Together these materials enable the pancreas and small intestine to break down nutrients that are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Second, as an endocrine gland the pancreas produces and secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon that also are absorbed into the bloodstream and aid in the digestion of carbohydrates and fats.

Of course, we know that early detection is extremely important in treating and surviving any cancer. But, it’s important to know that even with a “silent” cancer there is much we can do to assess our personal risk so we can take the proper precautions to protect our health.

Accordingly, let’s discuss right now FIVE MAJOR RISK FACTORS for pancreatic cancer:

1) SMOKING: Tobacco use of every kind has been linked to almost every type of cancer — and pancreatic cancer is no different. First, as cigarettes, pipes and cigars burn tobacco the harmful chemicals enter the body through the mouth, nose and lungs. And, of course, second-hand smoke from another has now been shown to be as harmful as if we were smoking ourselves. Indeed, individuals who smoke cigarettes share twice the risk for developing pancreatic cancer than individuals who don’t smoke. In addition, the use of smokeless tobacco products such as snuff and chewing tobacco also increases one’s risk for this cancer as the harmful chemicals are absorbed into the body through the mouth and nose.

2) OBESITY: When we are extremely overweight our risk for several different chronic diseases and illnesses increases. This holds true for pancreatic cancer as well. You see, obesity is related to a high fat diet.  A diet high in fatty foods such as red meats and dairy products forces the endocrine gland of the pancreas to work harder in order to digest the increased amount of carbohydrates and fat. Over many years, the pancreas may reach a point of exhaustion where it may become weakened and susceptible to disease, including pancreatic cancer. This is another example of our Cancer Blueprint and the effect of long-term irritation or damage on a particular body part.

3) ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: In particular, the workplace environment appears to play an important role in the development of this cancer. Workers exposed to petroleum share a greater risk. Similarly, individuals who work as leather tanners, chemists, auto mechanics or manufacturers of photographic film and are exposed to specific harmful chemicals also have a greater risk for developing pancreatic cancer.

4) PERSONAL MEDICAL HISTORY: Individuals who have a history of diabetes mellitus appear to have a greater risk for developing pancreatic cancer. This condition presents a complex disorder of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism that directly affects the pancreas. Research also indicates that those with a history of chronic pancreatitis also share an increased risk for developing this disease. Once again, remember our Cancer Blueprint.

5) FAMILY MEDICAL HISTORY: Heredity once again plays a significant role in determining our risk for pancreatic cancer. There are several conditions that are genetically determined, including hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), Lynch syndrome, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome (MEN1), hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, cirrhosis of the liver and familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome (FAMMM). Each one of these conditions occurring in our family can contribute to our personal risk for developing pancreatic cancer.

And now, let’s discuss FIVE IMPORTANT SYMPTOMS that may indicate the presence of pancreatic cancer:

1) JAUNDICE: Also known as icterus, this condition presents as a yellowish pigmentation of the skin and also colors the white membranes of the eyes. Indeed, the term comes from the French word jaune, which means yellow.

2) DARK URINE: Discolored urine can be caused by medications, certain foods, food dyes, temporary blood in the urine or it can be related to a number of more serious health problems including pancreatic cancer.

3) LOSS OF APPETITE: While our appetites can change depending upon the time of year, our exercise patterns and even the weather, continued loss of appetite for an extended period of time should be investigated.

4) NON-SPECIFIC WEIGHT LOSS: This refers to a rather sudden weight loss of twenty pounds or more that cannot be attributed to other causes such as exercise or dieting. And, of course, it goes hand in hand with a loss of appetite.

5) PAIN IN THE UPPER OR MIDDLE ABDOMEN AND BACK: Persistent pain in the abdominal area or back may have many causes, including physical exertion and exercise. But, pain that does not diminish should always be discussed with your doctor.

Now, if we put all this information together, we can see once again that heredity is first and foremost when discussing pancreatic cancer. Knowing one’s family medical history is of primary importance. And, once we do have a better idea of our personal risk there are many things we can do to monitor our health in a pro-active way.

Regular physical exams and blood chemistry studies are a must. Tumor marker tests also can be conducted at the same time you have your blood chemistry analyzed. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), CT Scans (CAT Scan) and Positron Emission Tomography Scans (PET Scans) are three procedures that can help detect the presence of a malignancy — and rule out the existence of one.

Ultrasounds, specialized x-rays such as Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC) also are wonderful diagnostic tools. And, of course, surgical procedures, including Laparoscopy and Biopsies can take tissue samples for evaluation.

As with any cancer, understanding our risks for the disease and the symptoms associated with it can go a long way in protecting our health.

So, in honor of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and loved ones who are battling the disease — please take a little time to research your family’s medical history — combine that with your personal history — and take the steps necessary to eliminate or modify those risks that are within your control to change.

Once again, thanks for joining me everyone. Until next time, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!

TIME TO REVIEW: The Single Source Cancer Course, Volume 1, Pages 33-35; The Single Source Cancer Course, Volume 1, Chapter 18.

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