Things to know about pancreatic cancer in 2017

-Pancreatic cancer has the lowest 5-year survival rate of any major cancer, at only 8%

-More people will die of pancreatic cancer this year than breast cancer

-More than 45,000 Americans will be diagnosed in 2017

-Pancreatic cancer cases have been increasing while overall cancer cases have been on the decline

SYMPTOMS

Yellowing of the skin

Weight loss

Change in stool color

New onset diabetes in older patients

Loss of appetite

Fatigue

Depression

RISK FACTORS

Family history

Pancreatitis

Smoking

Obesity

Race

Age

Diagnosis: Usually with a CT scan or an MRI and early referral to a specialist

Treatment: Dependent on age of patient, physical status and stage of disease