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