Pancreatic Cancer: How Will I Know?

The world of cancer is a scary one. A barrage of biopsies, CT scans, and talk of treatments like “chemotherapy,” and “radiation” are overwhelming. This is the reality for many individuals with pancreatic cancer.

November is pancreatic cancer awareness month. The average man or woman has a 1 in 65 chance of developing pancreatic cancer in his or her lifetime, and cases typically present later in life. More than half of all cases of pancreatic cancer occur in patients over age 70, although some individuals may harbor a genetic mutation that makes them more susceptible to developing pancreatic cancer at a young age.

The effects of pancreatic cancer are far-reaching: actor Patrick Swayze, of “Dirty Dancing” fame, died of the disease in 2009.

The pancreas is located deep inside the body, near the small intestine, stomach, and spleen. For this reason, it is difficult to detect pancreatic cancer in its early stages. Often, the disease is not detected until the cancer has metastasized to another organ.

Knowing the warning signs of pancreatic cancer is the first step to identification and treatment. Here are a few early signs of pancreatic cancer:

• Jaundice, a yellow tint on the skin

• Pain in the upper abdomen and neck

• Dark urine

• Itchy skin

• Poor appetite and weight loss

• Digestive problems

• Blood clots

Awareness of one’s family history is also crucial to diagnosing and treating hereditary pancreatic cancer. A consultation with a genetic counselor may be beneficial for someone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer before age 50, or for someone who has multiple relatives affected with pancreatic cancer.

The Charlotte Hornets will be hosting “PanCAN Night with the Hornets” on Saturday, November 18, in partnership with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to spread awareness about pancreatic cancer. With each ticket purchased, $5 will go back to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and #PurpleStride Charlotte.

Until a reliable tool is developed for early detection of pancreatic cancer, it is incumbent upon patients and healthcare providers to remain vigilant and informed about the risks—let’s shed some light on pancreatic cancer this November.

Maggie Masterson is a genetic counseling graduate student at the University of South Carolina Genetic Counseling Program. Find a genetic counselor at Palmetto Health USC Genetic Counseling or feel free to contact us at 803-545-5775 or genetics@uscmed.sc.edu.

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