Pancreatic cancer is a serious and often deadly cancer that affects the pancreas, the pear-shaped organ located in the upper abdomen behind the stomach. Unlike some other forms of cancer, pancreatic cancer can progress silently, with symptoms that are often subtle or similar to those of other conditions, making it difficult to detect until it has reached an advanced stage.
Pancreatic cancer is the 9th most common cancer in Singapore. It is generally aggressive and ranks as the 4th most common cause of cancer death in males and the 5th most common cause of cancer death in females, with over 3,000 cases diagnosed over the span of five years. While these statistics are concerning, education and awareness are key to understanding pancreatic cancer, reducing risk and improving treatment outcomes.
Pancreatic cancer happens when cells in the pancreas undergo genetic mutations and begin to grow and divide uncontrollably. Over time, these abnormal cells may form a tumor that interferes with normal pancreatic function and spread to nearby structures or distant organs.
The pancreas plays an essential role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. It produces digestive enzymes that help break down food into nutrients for easier absorption and secretes hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which help regulate blood sugar levels.
Pancreatic cancers are categorised into two main types:
Pancreatic cancer rarely produces signs and symptoms until it has progressed to an advanced stage, making early detection difficult and highlighting the importance of regular screening or surveillance for those at higher risk of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is often dubbed the ‘silent’ killer due to its tendency to be diagnosed only at later stages, with its early stages often showing little to no symptoms. Early symptoms may also be subtle and mistaken for other conditions.
Common signs of pancreatic cancer include:
These symptoms may not always indicate pancreatic cancer. However, if they persist, consult a doctor promptly, as early detection of pancreatic cancer is vital for better treatment outcomes.
According to General Surgeon Dr. Lee Chin Li, surgery is the best option when treating early-stage pancreatic cancer.
“In later stages, patients may undergo other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy,”
Dr. Lee explains. “However, these treatments are not to cure the patient but mainly to control the disease and to improve the symptoms or alleviate the symptoms of the patients.”
These patients will undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy, after which they will be assessed to determine whether they are suitable for surgery.
“Firstly, we have to assess whether the patient is fit for surgery. Secondly, we then assess the location and the size of the tumor, and whether it is close to crucial structures in the abdomen such as major blood vessels surrounding the area,” Dr. Lee elaborates. “The third step is to determine whether the disease has spread elsewhere in the body.
By following these steps, doctors will be able to determine the best choice of treatment for the patient.
According to Dr. Lee, survival rates for pancreatic cancer remain low because the disease is often detected at an advanced stage. However, if pancreatic cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate may be as high as 70 to 80 percent.
Several factors have been found to play a role in the development of pancreatic cancer. Some risk factors include:
However, having a risk factor does not indicate that you will get the disease. Similarly, there have been cases where patients with no known risk factors end up being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
You can take steps to lower your risk of developing pancreatic cancer:
Pancreatic cancer is a serious disease that can be difficult to detect and diagnose in its early stages. Recognising the symptoms, understanding potential risk factors, and taking preventive steps can help raise awareness and contribute to earlier detection and better outcomes for those affected.
