America this is Your Wake Up Call
A wake up call is in need for this disease. The deaths of Patrick Swayze in September of 2009 and now the passing of Steve Jobs to this increasingly common form of cancer has definitely brought more awareness to this disease, but not nearly enough. This year it is estimated that 38,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and approximately 34,000 people will die from it. Based on the diagnosis rate between 2005 and 2007 it is estimated that 1 in 71 men and women born today will be diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas at some point in their lifetime.
Pancreatic Cancer is the fourth most diagnosed cancer for both men and women and is one of the deadliest forms. If the cancer is removed while still small and has not spread to the lymph nodes the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer approaches 40%. One reason for the high mortality rates is due to the minimal amount of federal funding going towards pancreatic cancer research has disallowed for reliable screening of early detection. People at greatest risk are those who:
- Have two or more relatives diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
- Cigarette smokers
- Is a person of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
- Have any of the following gene mutations: BRCA2 (The BRCA2 gene the 2nd breast cancer gene identified), the p16 (Inherited mutations in the p16 protein are associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer and melanoma) or STK11 (characterized by a special kind of polyp of the gastrointestinal tract and freckles (patches of hyper-pigmentation) on the inside of the mouth and lips)
- Are over the age of 50
- Have a history of chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), diabetes and obesity
Testing for the genetic mutations exists. If you have one or more of the risk factors or a family history of pancreatic cancer, it is advised that you ask your doctor or health professional about screening for the mutations.
Pancreatic cancer symptoms are often vague and confused with other diseases, reinforcing the need for the investment of an effective screening test. Some of the most common symptoms are pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin) and weight loss. There are a variety of techniques that help establish a diagnosis such as:
- CAT scan: a medical imaging method employing digital geometry to process and generate a three-dimensional image of the inside of an object from a large series of two-dimensional X-ray images taken around a single axis of rotation.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): a medical procedure in endoscopy (insertion of a probe into a hollow organ) is combined with ultrasound to obtain images of the internal organs in the chest and abdomen.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): a technique that combines the use of endoscopy and fluoroscopy, to diagnose and treat certain problems of the biliary or pancreatic ductal systems. Through the endoscope the physician can see the inside of the stomach and duodenum and inject dyes into the ducts of the biliary tree and pancreas so they can be visualized on an X-ray.
Lenco Labs hopes to raise awareness around pancreatic cancer so that we can lower the mortality rate associated with this deadly disease. To learn more, volunteer, or give your support, talk to your healthcare provider and visit:www.lustgarten.org
