Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells are found within the tissues of
the pancreas. The pancreas is a six-inch long, pear-shaped gland that lies behind the
stomach, surrounded by other digestive organs, such as the liver, gallbladder, and small
intestine. It has two main functions, to produce digestive juices that help break down
food, and to produce hormones (like insulin) that control how the body stores and uses the
food.
Location of Pancreatic cancer
The part of the pancreas that produces the digestive juices is called the exocrine
pancreas, and almost 95% of pancreatic cancers occur in the tissues of the exocrine
pancreas. The hormone-producing area of the pancreas is the endocrine pancreas and only 5%
of the tumors originate there.
Pancreatic cancer mortality rate
Though pancreatic cancer accounts for only 2-3% of all cancers, it is the fourth most
frequent cause of cancer deaths. It is estimated that at least 29,000 new cases of
pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 1998. Unfortunately, cancer of
the pancreas is often fatal, and only 18% will survive one year after diagnosis. The
five-year survival rate is 4%. This is because by the time a patient exhibits symptoms,
and the cancer is diagnosed, it is no longer in its early stages. It has usually spread to
other organs such as the lung and the liver.
More information about Pancreatic cancer
The incidence of pancreatic cancer increases with age, and most cases are detected in
individuals aged 60 or older. Men are also 30% more likely to develop cancer of the
pancreas than are women. African Americans have been noted to have a higher frequency of
pancreatic cancer than European Americans and Asian Americans. However, whether the
increase is because of race or the influence of diet cannot be really ascertained. Studies
have shown that among Africans and Asians whose diet is lower in fat than African
Americans and Asian Americans, the incidence of pancreatic cancer is significantly lower. |