Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare, but generally feared. Indeed, this cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease, with few symptoms early in its progression.

Cancer of the pancreas, a gland located in the abdomen just behind the stomach, primarily affects seniors. According to the French National Society of Gastroenterology, there are 14,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer per year in France, mainly in people over 50. Previously predominantly found in men, it is also increasingly seen in women.

Definition of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer, the third leading cause of cancer death, is on the rise and could rise to second place within 10 to 20 years, according to the same source. Pancreatic cancer originates in the cells of the pancreas, which are of two types:

endocrine cells: these produce insulin and help regulate blood sugar;

Exocrine cells: These secrete digestive enzymes that facilitate digestion.

However, these cells can sometimes multiply abnormally. According to the Lyon University Hospital, there are two types of pancreatic cancer:

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: This is the most common pancreatic cancer (90 to 95% of cases). It originates from the dysfunction of the exocrine cells of the pancreatic duct;

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: This is pancreatic cancer caused by the dysfunction of endocrine cells grouped into islets, called islets of Langerhans. These tumors progress more slowly than exocrine tumors.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

One of the major problems in the treatment of pancreatic cancer is that it is often asymptomatic in the early stages, meaning the disease is often discovered at a very advanced stage. Furthermore, the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are not very characteristic and can be confused with those of other, more benign conditions, delaying diagnosis. Symptoms include:

loss of appetite and weight loss;

jaundice: if the tumor is located in the head of the pancreas, it blocks the flow of bile from the liver to the intestine because it compresses the common bile duct. The person experiences yellowing of the eyes and skin, light-colored stools, dark urine, and sometimes itching all over the body;

severe abdominal pain: particularly if the tumor is located in the tail of the pancreas. This pain spreads to the back and under the ribs on the left side.

Causes of Pancreatic Cancer

The causes of pancreatic cancer have not yet been defined. However, several risk factors have been identified:

Smoking: According to the Cancer Research Foundation (ARC), smoking triples the risk of developing pancreatic cancer and is involved in 30% of pancreatic cancers observed worldwide;

Imbalanced diet and weight (overweight, obesity): A diet too high in saturated fats and animal protein, and too low in fiber, promotes excess weight and pancreatic cancer. This risk is further increased if a sedentary lifestyle is added to these factors;

Alcoholism: Heavy and regular alcohol consumption increases the risk of chronic pancreatitis (chronic inflammation of the pancreas);

Certain pathologies: Type 2 diabetes, according to the ARC, doubles the risk of pancreatic cancer. Cystic fibrosis also increases this risk;

Genetic factors: According to the Cancer Research Foundation, genetic factors are involved in 5% of pancreatic cancer cases. However, researchers have great difficulty identifying the genes involved;

Environmental factors: The French National Society of Gastroenterology mentions the increased risk of pancreatic cancer due to exposure to pesticides (in the case of farmers, winegrowers, etc.) and heavy metals (cadmium).

Pancreatic Cancer: When to Seek Medical Care?

Since pancreatic cancer is asymptomatic in the early stages, by the time the first symptoms appear, the disease is generally already at an advanced stage. Therefore, it is important not to waste any more time and to consult your doctor immediately in the event of abnormal weight loss and loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or jaundice. This is a medical emergency. The biotechnology company ACOBIOM states that the average life expectancy after detection of pancreatic cancer is only 5 to 6 months, with a very low 5-year survival rate (5%).

Examinations and Diagnosis: How to Detect Pancreatic Cancer?

If, during the clinical examination and discussion with the patient, the doctor suspects that he or she is dealing with cancer