Indian Cases of pancreatic cancer in men have increased in recent years. This graph has been increasing rapidly over the last 5-10 years, which is worrying the Indian government and doctors.
Bad eating habits are the main culprits. Ultra-processed foods high in fat, like pizza, burgers, and sugary drinks, are the most harmful. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, men are almost twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as women. Apart from genetic reasons, excessive consumption of cigarettes and alcohol among men is also a major cause.
Cases of pancreatic cancer occur more in cities than in villages. Possible reasons for this are the excessive use of fast food and ultra-processed foods in the city and excessive climate pollution.
According to the World Cancer Research Fund, every year, more than 4,000,000 400,000 people die from pancreatic cancer worldwide. Every year, more than 12,700 people die in India. Among them, there are more than 8,000 men.
That’s why today in “Sehatnama” we will talk about pancreatic cancer. You will also learn that-
What are its symptoms? Why are its cases increasing among Indian men? What is its treatment and what are the preventive measures?
What is pancreatic cancer?
There is a fish-like organ in the back part of our stomach. What is surprising is that it is both an organ and a gland. It releases enzymes and hormones that keep our body healthy.
Cells in the pancreas, like all cells in the body, grow and break down in a certain pattern. Healthy cells eat and destroy dead cells. When cancer occurs, they break the pattern and begin to grow and multiply much more quickly. It’s pancreatic cancer.
What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
The most dangerous aspect of pancreatic cancer is that it has no symptoms in its initial stage. Its symptoms usually appear when the tumor begins to also affect other organs of the digestive system.
If a person has diabetes and pancreatitis over a short period of time or simultaneously, it may be a sign of pancreatic cancer. In such a situation, you should consult a doctor and get yourself checked for cancer immediately.
Some common questions related to pancreatic cancer and their answers
Question: Why is pancreatic cancer increasing among Indian men?
Answer: Dr Vikram Belliappa, a well-known gastrointestinal and liver surgeon from Bangalore, says there could be many reasons for this. The main reason for this is the poor lifestyle of Indian men along with excessive consumption of cigarettes and alcohol.
Apart from this, patriarchal thinking still largely dominates in India. Therefore, compared to women, men leave the house more to work or work. During this period, they are also in greater contact with pollution and petrochemical products. These are major risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
Question: Which people are at higher risk of pancreatic cancer?
Answer: A person is at higher risk of pancreatic cancer under the following conditions:
If someone drinks alcohol. If someone smokes cigarettes or uses tobacco in any other way. If someone often eats fast food and ultra-processed foods, obesity is a major reason. Especially if there is excess fat accumulated around the waist, diabetes is a significant risk factor. Especially if you have type 2 diabetes. Sudden type 2 diabetes can be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Exposure to pesticides and petrochemicals also increases risk. If a person has had pancreatitis for a long time, it can develop into pancreatic cancer if it is passed down from generation to generation. due to a genetic mutation, if chronic pancreatitis is passed on, this is also a significant risk factor.
Question: Is pancreatic cancer curable?
Answer: Yes, entirely possible. It is true that the survival rate of pancreatic cancer is very low, but if it is detected at an early stage, treatment can cure it. To completely cure pancreatic cancer, it will need to be surgically removed.
Question: What is the treatment for pancreatic cancer?
Answer: The type of treatment a person needs depends on many factors. Such as-
What is the exact location of the tumor in the pancreas? What is the stage of cancer? What is the patient’s general health?
These treatments are administered in pancreatic cancer
Surgery: If the cancer has not spread to any organ other than the pancreas and it can be completely removed.
Whipple procedure: If there is a cancerous tumor on the upper end of the pancreas, the upper end of the pancreas is removed.
Distal pancreatectomy: If there is a cancerous tumor in the lower lobe of the pancreas, the lower part of the pancreas is removed.
Total pancreatectomy: If the cancer has spread throughout the pancreas, the entire pancreas may be removed. Although this happens in rare cases.
Chemotherapy: This therapy can be given to kill, shrink and control cancer cells.
Radiotherapy: If the cancer is very advanced, radiotherapy may be given in combination with chemotherapy.
Question: Is it possible to prevent pancreatic cancer?
Answer: Pancreatic cancer cannot be prevented. However, its risk can certainly be reduced by making lifestyle changes.
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