Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of one's pancreas-an organ in the abdomen that lies horizontally behind the lower part of the stomach. The pancreas secretes enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help in regulating the metabolism of sugars. Pancreatic cancers occur when the cells in the pancreas develop mutations in their DNA. These mutations cause the cells to grow uncontrollably and continue living after normal cells would die.These accumulating cells then form a cancer.

The signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back
• Depression
• Blood clots
• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

The factors that may increase one's risk of developing pancreatic cancer include:

• Diabetes
• Being obese
• Chronic inflammation of the pancreas
• A family history of genetic syndromes that can increase cancer risk
• A family history of pancreatic cancer
• Smoking

Although there's no way to prevent this condition, you can reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthy and avoid smoking.
Seek medical help if you experience unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or any other symptoms that bother you!