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CANCER
FACTS - Pancreas
| Signs
and Symptoms |
Cancer
of the pancreas generally occurs without symptoms until it is in
advanced stages. If a cancer develops in an area of the pancreas
near the common bile duct, its blockage may lead to jaundice (a
noticeable yellowing of the skin due to pigment accumulation). Sometimes
this symptom allows the tumor to be diagnosed at an early stage. |
| Risk
Factors |
Very
little is known about what causes the disease or how to prevent
it. Risk increases with age, and smoking is a risk factor. Incidence
rates are more than twice as high for smokers as for nonsmokers.
Some studies have suggested associations with chronic pancreatitis,
diabetes, and cirrhosis. Pancreatic cancer rates are higher in countries
with a diet high in fat. |
| Early
Detection |
At
present, only biopsy yields a certain diagnosis, and because of
the "silent" course of the disease, the need for biopsy is likely
to be obvious only after the disease has advanced. Researchers are
focusing on ways to diagnose pancreatic cancer before symptoms occur. |
Source:
Cancer Facts & Figures 1998 - American Cancer Society
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