DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

HIGH SEVERITY

A highly aggressive cancer with poor prognosis, often diagnosed at advanced stages. Majority are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). 5-year survival rate approximately 12%. Risk factors include smoking, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, and family history.

Global Affected

495.0K

Countries

15

Symptoms

Abdominal pain radiating to back
Unintentional weight loss
Jaundice (painless or with pain)
New-onset diabetes
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Steatorrhea

Treatment Options

Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy
Hormone therapy
Stem cell transplant
Palliative care

Risk Factors

1Age
2Family history
3Genetic mutations
4Smoking
5Alcohol consumption
6Obesity
7Physical inactivity
8Environmental exposures
9Infections (HPV, HBV, HCV, H. pylori)

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Biopsy
  • 2Imaging (CT, MRI, PET)
  • 3Tumor markers
  • 4Genetic testing
  • 5Endoscopy
  • 6Blood tests
  • 7Screening programs

Prognosis

Resectable disease (15-20% of cases) has 20-25% 5-year survival with surgery + chemotherapy. Borderline resectable with neoadjuvant therapy has similar outcomes. Locally advanced unresectable has 12-18 months median survival with chemotherapy. Metastatic disease has 6-12 months median survival; FOLFIRINOX offers 11 months, gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel offers 9 months. CA 19-9 is prognostic marker. Early diagnosis remains challenge; screening for high-risk groups being studied.

Prevention

  • Smoking cessation
  • Sun protection
  • Healthy diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Vaccination (HPV, HBV)
  • Screening programs
  • Limit alcohol
  • Maintain healthy weight

Research Status

Immunotherapy combinations (MSI-H tumors), PARP inhibitors for BRCA mutations. FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel for advanced disease. CA 19-9 and emerging liquid biopsies for early detection.

Affected Countries

AustraliaBrazilCanadaChinaGermanySpainFranceUnited KingdomIrelandIndiaItalyJapanLTSwedenUnited States

Sources

  • https://www.cancer.gov
  • https://www.who.int/cancer
  • https://www.cancer.org

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.