3 min readNov 22, 2024 08:06 AM IST
First published on: Nov 21, 2024 at 12:15 PM IST
Written by Dr Rajesh Shinde
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most challenging cancers to diagnose and treat and has the highest mortality rate among all major cancers. Yet it remains under-discussed and poorly understood. According to Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2020) reports, India accounts for nearly seven per cent of the global pancreatic cancer burden. In view of this alarming statistic, there needs to be an increasing awareness.
Why does pancreatic cancer often go unnoticed?
Its early symptoms are subtle and easily mistaken for everyday ailments. Mild abdominal discomfort, for instance, is often dismissed as indigestion or acidity. Unexplained weight loss — a classic sign of several cancers — is frequently attributed to stress or changes in diet.
Jaundice, another potential red flag, is commonly linked to liver or bile duct issues rather than pancreatic tumors. Similarly, persistent fatigue or weakness may be blamed on a hectic lifestyle. This lack of specificity means that many cases are diagnosed only when the disease has reached an advanced stage.
What are risk factors?
Several dietary and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Controlling these can prevent onset.
- High-fat diets: Foods rich in saturated fats, such as processed meats, fried items, and full-fat dairy products, promote chronic inflammation, a trigger for tumours.
- Sugary and processed foods: Diets high in refined sugars and carbohydrates, such as sugary drinks, pastries, candies, and white bread, can lead to insulin resistance, diabetes and obesity, which raise risks.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol abuse is a leading cause of chronic pancreatitis, a condition that inflames and damages the pancreas. Over time, this inflammation can escalate the risk of developing cancer.
- Tobacco use: Smoking and chewing tobacco introduce harmful carcinogens directly into the bloodstream, many of which are known to target pancreatic cells. Smokers are twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to non-smokers.
- Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of physical activity contributes to weight gain and obesity, which are prominent risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Sedentary behaviours, such as prolonged sitting and minimal exercise, can also lead to metabolic dysfunctions that stress the pancreas. People with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or more are about 20% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. Belly fat appears to increase risk, even in those with a BMI of less than 30.
Why is diagnosis difficult?
Since the pancreas is located deep within the abdomen, tumours can grow unnoticed for a long time, as they do not immediately press against surrounding tissues or organs. Pancreatic cancer lacks accessible early-detection tools. Current methods, such as CT scans or MRIs, are not routinely performed unless specific symptoms emerge.
Moreover, awareness remains low, particularly in rural areas. Many people are unfamiliar with its symptoms or risk factors, delaying medical intervention.
(Dr Shinde is Consultant, HPB, GI, Thoracic Oncology & Robotic Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai)
According to Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2020) reports, India accounts for nearly seven per cent of the global pancreatic cancer burden. (File Image) 
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