Pancreatic cancer is a devastating diagnosis. Rates of this cancer are rising faster among younger women, particularly Black women, than among men of the same age.
For Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, we’re discussing the latest research to help you understand why and the steps you can take to decrease your risk.
The Latest Research
It’s important to understand pancreatic cancer because it has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. Cedars-Sinai, one of the leading cancer research centers, recently released new research that shows rates of pancreatic cancer are increasing for everyone. Women, particularly Black women, are seeing the highest increase.
In their research, they discovered:
- Rates for women under the age of 55 increased 2.4% higher than men
- Rates among young Black women increased 2.23% higher than young Black men.
They also report that survival rates are improving each year, but that improvement is largely among men. This leads people to ask, why do women have higher mortality rates?
Why Are More Women Dying of Pancreatic Cancer?
Doctors are trying to understand why more women die of this cancer. One possible explanation is the location and type of tumors that are being diagnosed. There is an increase in a very aggressive and deadly tumor called pancreatic head adenocarcinoma.
The good news is that doctors recognize that women are dying at higher rates and acknowledge there is a need for more research. More research can help the medical community understand why the mortality rate is high among women and what can be done to help.
Signs of Concern
With any cancer, early detection and treatment give you the best possible chance for survival. To get the best treatment, you need to know what to look out for. Here are some of the common symptoms of pancreatic cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor.
Unexplained weight loss
If you have a tumor in your pancreas, it releases small proteins (cytokines) that can change the way your body uses nutrients. These cytokines can also cause you to burn calories faster they can be replaced and decrease your appetite.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Jaundice can also cause itchy skin, dark urine and clay-colored stools. Jaundice in adults is not normal, so it’s important to talk to a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms.
Abdominal bloat
Pancreatic cancer can cause a large amount of fluid to be collected in your abdomen, creating distention. This fluid collection can be small or it can be so severe that your belly looks like a round basketball or like you’re pregnant. This indicates something is wrong, and you should talk to your healthcare provider.
Pain in the back or abdomen
Pain in the back or abdomen can be caused by the tumor pushing on other areas of your body. One sign that your pain may be related to a pancreatic tumor is when you have pain that starts in your abdomen and spreads to your sides or back. In some cases, a pancreatic tumor can block your digestive tract.
Knowing these signs can help you get the help you need. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms or have any questions or concerns.
How You Can Decrease Your Risk
There are many factors related to your health that you can’t control. If you want to stay healthy and decrease your risk of cancer, the best place to start is to focus on what you can control, such as lifestyle changes.
The best lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk are:
Quit smoking
According to the American Cancer Society, quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to prevent pancreatic cancer. This is very difficult for most people, but talking to your doctor about smoking cessation options can help.
Reduce alcohol use
Heavy alcohol use has been linked to pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Chronic pancreatitis increases your risk of cancer. If you do drink, the current recommendation is no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating healthy is important becuase a diet high in processed foods and foods high in fat are associated with with pancreatic cancer. Increasing the amount of fruits, vegetables, protein and fiber you consume is a great place to add more healthy foods.
Get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight and having diabetes is a risk factor for this type of cancer. Getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can decrease your risk.
Be Proactive About Your Health
Understanding your risk for cancer is important. Your family history, personal medical history and lifestyle will have an impact on your personal risk level. If you have questions, talking to your healthcare provider is a great place to start. Following a healthy diet and making lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on your health and help decrease your risk of pancreatic cancer.
Sources
Study Confirms Pancreatic Cancer Rates Rising Faster In Women Than Men
