Pancreatic cancer continues to emerge as a significant health challenge, with its incidence on the rise globally. In light of increased media attention given to the disease, senior experts from Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel and Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) offer invaluable insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pancreatic cancer.
Professor Irit Ben Aharon and Dr. Erez Hasnis. Photography: Rambam HCC.
Pancreatic cancer has seen a concerning rise in recent years and is a prominent cause of death in the Western world. The delayed onset of symptoms poses considerable challenges for medical professionals. Understanding key aspects and early detection methods is crucial. To shed light on this, senior experts from Rambam and Ichilov were consulted.
Understanding the Pancreatic Cancer Challenge
Professor Irit Ben-Aharon, director of the Joseph Fishman Oncology Center at Rambam, points out, “In recent years we see more people younger than the known average age suffering from pancreatic cancer.”
Dr. Erez Hasnis, a pancreatic researcher and attending physician in the Department of Internal Medicine D at Rambam, illuminates the complexity of this disease. “Over 90% of pancreatic cancer cases affect the exocrine part of the pancreas,” he reveals. “Despite advancements, early detection remains elusive due to its deep-seated location in the organ.”
Lifestyle and Genetic Risk Factors
Hasnis underscores the influence of lifestyle choices, citing smoking, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption as significant contributors to pancreatic cancer risk. “Genetic mutations, particularly the BRCA gene, also heighten susceptibility,” He stresses. “However, lifestyle factors play a dominant role in the majority of cases.”
Early Detection Challenges
Early pancreatic cancer detection is challenging. Symptoms often manifest in advanced stages. “Jaundice, abdominal pain, and sudden diabetes are common red flags,” Dr. Hasnis notes. “Unfortunately, reliable screening methods for early detection remain elusive, contributing to delayed diagnosis.”
Ben-Aharon elaborates, “Sudden diabetes is also a concerning symptom that can indicate pancreatic cancer. While diabetes is common, sudden onset diabetes can accompany the disease. Significant weight loss is a common symptom, often occurring rapidly. Abdominal pain may also occur, depending on the tumor's location in the pancreas. If it's near the nerves in the upper abdomen, it can cause intense pain radiating to the back.”
Treatment Strategies and Recurrence Risks
Ben Aharon discusses treatment modalities and recurrence risks. “Chemotherapy remains the mainstay for inoperable pancreatic cancer,” she confirms. “Despite advancements, recurrence rates remain high, with only about 15% of patients surviving five years post-diagnosis.”
Hope on the Horizon
Professor Ravit Geva, deputy director of the Division of Oncology at Ichilov, underscores the importance of ongoing research in combating pancreatic cancer. “While hurdles persist, substantial research investments worldwide offer hope for breakthroughs,” she points out. “Progress in understanding the disease's mechanisms is vital for advancing treatment options.”
Ben Aharon agrees with Geva and is optimistic about ongoing research efforts aimed at unlocking new treatment modalities.
The statistics surrounding pancreatic cancer paint a sobering picture, necessitating urgent action to improve outcomes. Fostering awareness, supporting research initiatives, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices are essential for the collective confrontation against this formidable health challenge.
Comments