There has been no change in the pancreatic cancer survival rates since the 1970s [GETTY]Half of patients diagnosed today in England and Wales will be "cured", showing survival rates have doubled since the Seventies.
The data show dramatic improvement in the most common cancers such as breast, testicular and malignant melanoma.
But it's not all good news.
Just one per cent of pancreatic cancer patients diagnosed today are expected to survive 10 years. This figure hasn't changed in over 40 years.
Pancreatic cancer is described as the "deadliest" of cancers as it is so difficult to detect and treat in the early stages when treatment is more likely to be successful.
Here, Nick Maisey, consultant oncologist at London Bridge Hospital, and NHS Direct explain exactly what pancreatic cancer is, the disease's warning signs and how it affects sufferers.
Cancer Research UK says a renewed focus on pancreatic cancer needs to be made to make faster progess [GETTY]The pancreas is a gland – an organ that produces and releases substances to other parts of the body.
It is approximately six inches in length and situated high in your abdomen behind the stomach, where the ribs meet at the bottom of your breastbone.
The pancreas produces digestive enzymes which help break down food and a hormone known as insulin, which keeps sugar levels in the blood stable.
Pancreatic cancer is the development of a tumour on the pancreas.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN SYMPTOMS?
"Many cases of pancreatic cancer present with vague, non-specific symptoms such as weight loss, abdominal discomfort or a change in bowel habit," says Dr Maisey.
"Less commonly patients can develop more specific symptoms such as painless jaundice - a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes - or pale coloured stools and dark urine."
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
When pancreatic cancer first develops it often causes no symptoms, which means it can be hard for your GP to diagnose it.
If your GP suspects you have pancreatic cancer, they will examine your eyes and skin for any signs of jaundice. They may also test your urine for bile or carry out a blood test.
Your GP may also physically examine your abdomen to feel for any swelling or abnormality. The pancreas is relatively well-hidden within the body because it is covered by part of the bowel. This can make it difficult for your GP to feel for tumours during a physical examination.
Your GP may send you for further testing at a hospital.
"It is believed that improving your lifestyle factors can reduce the chance of developing pancreatic cancer and in particular there appear to be links with smoking and obesity," says Dr Maisey.
"Some cases can be linked with other medical conditions such as chronic pancreatitis and diabetes, but most cases of the disease are sporadic and occur without any obvious causal factors."
WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
The choice of treatment is dependent on the stage of the cancer.
"If the cancer is detected at an early stage, when it's localised to the pancreas gland itself, it can be possible to remove the cancer with an operation," says Dr Maisey.
"However if the cancer has spread to other organs in the body, or if it is too large for surgery, chemotherapy is often used to treat patients although it is not always possible to cure the disease.
"In some situations a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is used to control the cancer."
WHO IS AFFECTED?
Each year in the UK, approximately 8,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It is marginally more common in men and the majority of patients are over 60 years old.
IS THERE ANY SUPPORT AVAILABLE IF I THINK I'M AT RISK?
As well as your GP, organisations like Pancreatic Cancer UK (pancreaticcancer.org.uk) and Cancer Research UK (cancerresearch.org) offer support and information that you can trust.
Awareness charity Pancreatic Cancer Action (pancreaticcanceraction.org) was founded by survivor Ali Stunt and aims to improve survival rates for patients.
No comments:
Post a Comment