Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to detect early, as it often does not present any noticeable symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage. Additionally, the pancreas is located deep within the upper abdomen, behind the stomach, and in front of the spine. The location of the organ is also what makes cancer difficult to detect.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Shishir N. Shetty, Senior Consultant-Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, sheds light on the likelihood of detecting pancreatic cancer early and what all can be done to increase the possibility.
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Can Pancreatic Cancer Be Caught Early?
“Detecting pancreatic cancer early helps increase chances of survival; however, it is challenging, and unfortunately, it’s not commonly detected at early stages,” says Dr Shetty. This is because the pancreas is situated deep inside the abdomen, and early-stage pancreatic cancer often doesn't have any noticeable symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, cancer has typically raced to advanced stages.
In addition, tests used to diagnose pancreatic cancer do not always detect small lesions, pre-cancers, or early-stage cancers well, according to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
What Are The Earliest Warning Signs?
The earliest warning signs of pancreatic cancer range along the lines of the following:
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin is one of the earliest symptoms of pancreatic cancer, and the underlying reason for this is usually jaundice.
Abdominal pain: Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen or back can be a sign of pancreatic cancer.
Sudden weight loss: Significant unexplained weight loss can be the result of pancreatic cancer, as it impedes the digestion process and leads to undernourishment.
Nausea or vomiting: Both can be a sign of pancreatic cancer; as the tumour grows, it presses on the stomach and intestines, leading to these symptoms.
How To Diagnose Pancreatic Cancer?
Unfortunately, there is no single screening test that can detect pancreatic cancer, says Dr Shetty, adding that definitive diagnosis of pancreatic cancer entails a series of imaging scans, blood tests, and biopsy—and those tests are usually only done if someone exhibits symptoms or has a family history of pancreatic cancer.
Other risk factors like a family history or lifestyle choices have a significant impact on the likelihood of early detection. Individuals who are at a higher risk are often more closely monitored, which can increase the chances of detecting cancer earlier.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), for individuals with a high familial risk of pancreatic cancer, early detection tests like Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) or MRI/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) may be beneficial. While not for general screening, these tests can help identify treatable early-stage pancreatic cancers in those with strong family histories or genetic predispositions.
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Can Lifestyle Modifications Reduce The Risk Of Pancreatic Cancer?
Dr Shetty believes that lifestyle modifications like quitting tobacco and alcohol and following a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. However, it cannot completely eliminate the risk, he notes.
Genetic, hereditary, and environmental factors also influence the likelihood of someone getting cancer, and these elements are usually outside the purview of individual control.
Takeaway
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect early due to factors like the location of the organ, the asymptomatic nature of the disease, and the inability of the tests to recognise cancerous lesions. However, it is still advised to get regular tests and screenings done, especially if you have a family history of pancreatic cancer.