“Although more studies need to be conducted in an effort to determine why the numbers are increasing among young women, the findings serve as a reminder that women need to be aware of the risks and symptoms associated with the disease, especially since the numbers appear to point to an especially aggressive and deadly type of tumor,” says Elsa Pichardo, MD, a member of the Medical Staff at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.
Lower Your Risk
At the present time, there are no reliable screening tests for pancreatic cancer, and there often are no early signs of the disease. As a result, it is important to promptly tell your doctor about any changes in your health. A physical exam, a series of imaging scans, blood work, and, if a tumor is discovered, a biopsy, will provide a definitive diagnosis.
“Additionally, anyone with a family history of pancreatic cancer should seek genetic counseling and testing,” says Dr. Pichardo, who is board certified in general surgery and fellowship trained in hepatobiliary and pancreas surgery.
To lower your risk of developing pancreatic cancer, don’t smoke, eat a healthy diet, limit alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy weight, and stay physically active.
Usually by the time clear symptoms develop, the disease is advanced, which is all the more reason to seek medical advice for any of the following health changes:
- Abdominal or mid-back pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Burning feeling in the stomach
- Inability to digest fatty foods
- Large, greasy stools
- Swelling in the gallbladder or liver
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Treatment May Vary
Since pancreatic cancer is usually detected in an advanced stage, chemotherapy may be required to shrink a tumor before surgery can be considered. If a tumor is relatively small, surgery can often be performed laparoscopically.
“Because pancreatic cancer is most often detected later, there is more of a likelihood it has spread elsewhere, so treatment is always individualized,” says Dr. Pichardo.