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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
What causes pancreatic cancer: Know key risk factors and lifestyle triggers
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive disease that often remains undetected until advanced stages, making early diagnosis and treatment difficult. As one of the deadliest forms of cancer, it has a low survival rate due to its silent progression. Understanding the causes and risk factors of pancreatic cancer, such as smoking, obesity, family history, and chronic pancreatitis, is essential for early detection and prevention. Raising awareness about pancreatic cancer symptoms, including jaundice, weight loss, and abdominal pain, can lead to timely diagnosis. Promoting regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle are key steps in reducing pancreatic cancer risk and improving survival outcomes. Understanding pancreatic cancer and its causes Pancreatic cancer originates in the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that plays a vital role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. The most common type of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which begins in the ducts of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer From signs to treatment process, expert explains how to manage the condition Primary causes and risk factors 1. Age and gender The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age, particularly after the age of 60. Men are slightly more likely to develop the disease than women. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What is an insulated prefabricated house and how much does it cost? (View) Prefabricated Homes View Deals Undo 2. Family history and genetic factors Approximately 5-10% of pancreatic cancer cases are hereditary. Individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer or certain genetic syndromes, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch syndrome, have an elevated risk. These genetic mutations can impair DNA repair mechanisms, leading to cancer development. 3. Chronic pancreatitis Chronic inflammation of the pancreas, known as chronic pancreatitis, significantly increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. This condition is often associated with long-term heavy alcohol consumption and smoking. 4. Obesity and metabolic syndrome Obesity is a well-established risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Excess body weight, particularly abdominal fat, can lead to increased insulin levels and inflammation, both of which may promote cancer development. Metabolic syndrome, characterized by high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels, also contributes to an increased risk. 5. Diabetes mellitus There is a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and pancreatic cancer. While diabetes can be both a risk factor and a consequence of pancreatic cancer, individuals with type 2 diabetes, especially those who are overweight, have a higher risk of developing the disease. 6. Smoking Cigarette smoking is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Smokers are two to three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than non-smokers. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the pancreas and promote cancerous changes. 7. Alcohol consumption Chronic heavy drinking is linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, primarily due to its association with chronic pancreatitis. Even moderate alcohol consumption may slightly elevate the risk. 8. Exposure to environmental toxins Occupational exposure to certain chemicals, such as those used in dry cleaning and metalworking industries, can raise the risk of pancreatic cancer. These carcinogens may damage pancreatic cells and lead to cancer development. Emerging and potential risk factors 1. Dietary factors Diets high in red and processed meats, as well as low in fruits and vegetables, may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Obesity-related cancers, including pancreatic cancer, are rising among adults aged 25 - 49, potentially linked to poor dietary habits. 2. Physical inactivity A sedentary lifestyle contributes to obesity and metabolic syndrome, both of which are risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of developing the disease. 3. High-energy radiation Exposure to high-energy radiation, such as from medical imaging procedures or previous cancer treatments, may slightly increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. However, the overall risk is considered low. Prevention and risk reduction While not all risk factors are controllable, several lifestyle modifications can help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer: Quit smoking: Eliminating tobacco use significantly lowers the risk. Maintain a healthy weight: Achieving and sustaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can reduce risk. Limit alcohol intake: Reducing alcohol consumption decreases the risk associated with chronic pancreatitis. Adopt a healthy diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed foods can lower risk. Regular physical activity: Engaging in regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces cancer risk. Monitor health conditions: Managing diabetes and other metabolic conditions can mitigate associated risks. Also read | 5 common reasons behind liver disease you might be overlooking
New York Post
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Beware these 5 signs of a ‘highly invasive' brain cancer — patients typically survive only 15 months
That stinks! A 57-year-old UK father of four recently made headlines when he revealed the bizarre clue that preceded his Stage 4 glioblastoma diagnosis — a 'strange sweet caramel smell.' 'We didn't think much of it,' said Costa Fantis's 27-year-old son, Antonio. 'We definitely didn't know it was a symptom of something so serious.' Before two-time Grammy winner Michael Bolton, 72, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023, he experienced confusion, balance issues, nausea and severe headaches. 5 Michael Bolton performs on stage in 'The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration,' which taped in November 2023. He was diagnosed with glioblastoma the following month. ABC via Getty Images The tumor, which occurs when supportive cells in the brain grow and divide uncontrollably, is extremely aggressive and deadly. Most patients survive only 14 to 16 months after diagnosis. 'What makes glioblastoma particularly difficult to treat is its highly invasive nature — it spreads microscopic cancer cells deep into surrounding brain tissue, making it impossible to remove completely with surgery,' Dr. Joseph Georges, a neurosurgeon based in Phoenix, told The Post. Georges shares five early glioblastoma warning signs — and how a specialized cell therapy may prolong patient lives. What are the risk factors for glioblastoma? About 14,500 new glioblastoma cases are diagnosed annually in the US. 5 Dr. Joseph Georges, a neurosurgeon based in Phoenix, reveals five early glioblastoma warning signs — and how a specialized cell therapy may prolong patient lives. The average age of diagnosis is around 64 — the cancer tends to affect adults 45 to 70 years old. Exposure to ionizing radiation as part of radiation therapy for other cancers and certain genetic disorders, such as Turcot syndrome and Lynch syndrome, can increase glioblastoma risk. However, most cases 'occur spontaneously in individuals without risk factors,' said Georges, an assistant professor of neurosurgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix. What are the symptoms? Symptoms depend on the tumor's location within the skull. They may include headaches, confusion, seizures, speech difficulty or weakness on one side of the body, Georges said. In Bolton's case, his daughters noticed unusual behavior during a family bowling night in the fall of 2023. 5 This is a scan of a grade 4 glioma brain tumor that's about the size of a tennis ball. Caters News Agency He had bowled out of turn and fallen out of his chair. He was diagnosed a few weeks later. Fantis's tumor appears to have developed in the temporal lobe, which plays a crucial role in processing smells. How is it diagnosed? The tumor can be identified with a CT scan or MRI, and the diagnosis confirmed with a tissue biopsy. 'Several factors influence how long a person might live with glioblastoma,' Georges said, 'including their overall health, neurological function at diagnosis, age and how well they respond to treatments such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.' The molecular characteristics of the tumor — like whether it has mutations — can affect the prognosis. How is glioblastoma treated? Metastatic brain tumors — tumors that start elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain — tend to form masses that are better defined than glioblastomas and that can be surgically removed more easily. 'Glioblastoma's diffuse growth pattern, genetic complexity and resistance to standard treatments make it one of the most challenging brain tumors to treat,' Georges noted. 'Complete removal is usually not achievable due to the tumor's infiltrative nature.' 5 Glioblastomas can be identified with a CT scan or MRI, and the diagnosis confirmed with a tissue biopsy. angkhan – Surgery is often followed by radiation therapy to eliminate residual tumor cells and delay progression and chemotherapy to enhance the effectiveness of radiation. Despite this multi-pronged strategy, Georges admitted that 'glioblastoma generally has a poor prognosis due to its aggressive biology and treatment resistance.' How can DOC1021 help? Georges said he has seen better outcomes with an individualized approach. He was the principal investigator of a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating Dubodencel, also known as DOC1021, which harnesses the power of the patient's special immune cells, called dendritic cells. The cells are exposed to the unique antigens of the tumor outside the body. 'Once trained, the cells are multiplied and then returned to the patient, where they help the immune system launch a targeted attack against the cancer,' Georges said. 'Because this approach uses the patient's own immune cells and doesn't require genetic modification, it offers a highly personalized and comprehensive way to address the complexity and variability of glioblastoma.' 5 These before-and-after brain scans show glioblastoma resolution with DOC1021. The Food and Drug Administration granted fast-track designation to DOC1021, developed by Diakonos Oncology, to treat glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer. Some patients in the DOC1021 Phase 1 trial are approaching 24 to 36 months of survival. 'Early clinical results from the trial showed a 12-month overall survival rate of 88%, markedly higher than the approximately 60% typically seen with standard of care,' Georges said. New Jersey resident Pamela Goldberger, 65, underwent brain surgery, six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation, six weeks of the cell therapy and a year of chemo maintenance as part of the DOC1021 Phase 1 trial. Now, she is back to playing tennis several times a week 2½ years after her diagnosis. 'I'm living my best life right now, and I'm not restricted by not being able to do anything that I would want to do,' she recently told Fox News Digital. The Phase 2 clinical trial is underway — it's expected to be available at 20 US sites.
Medscape
16-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Fact or Fiction: Endometrial Cancer
Recent research emphasizes the importance of recognizing subclinical and early-stage endometrial cancer and the risks associated with delayed diagnosis, particularly among patients with metabolic syndrome, obesity, or other chronic health conditions. Improvements in diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities allow for a patient-centered, personalized approach, focusing not only on tumor eradication but also on overall health, quality of life, and long-term well-being. Although hormonal imbalance, particularly excess estrogen without sufficient progesterone, contributes significantly to the development of endometrial cancer, numerous other factors play critical roles. Specifically, women with Lynch syndrome have the highest risk for endometrial cancer (40%-60% lifetime risk), and research has shown that obesity and insulin resistance also drive its pathogenesis. Lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption and tobacco use, and psychological factors can further influence pathogenesis and prognosis. Learn more about the etiology of endometrial cancer. Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the standard surgery for endometrial cancer, except in candidates for fertility-sparing options. Decisions regarding the addition of chemotherapy, radiation, or both depend on factors such as tumor stage, histologic subtype, grade, lymphovascular invasion, and molecular classification (eg, POLE mutations, p53 status, or mismatch repair deficiency). This individualized approach ensures that patients with low-risk disease are not overtreated while those with high-risk or advanced disease receive more aggressive and effective multimodal therapy. Learn more about treatment of endometrial cancer. Although hysterectomy is a key component of treatment, especially when performed with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, endometrial cancer can still recur. Up to 20% of patients will experience recurrence after hysterectomy, with most cases occurring within 2-3 years. Further, relapses can be local or include distant extrauterine manifestations. Therefore, ongoing surveillance through regular follow-up appointments, and imaging when necessary, is part of comprehensive care in both American and European recommendations. Learn more about the workup for endometrial cancer. Approximately 90% of patients with endometrial cancer will present with abnormal vaginal bleeding, with most cases occurring post-menopause. This has led to a belief that endometrial cancer is highly treatable because most patients with abnormal bleeding causes seek care when the cancer is still in early stages. However, mortality due to uterine cancer, of which endometrial cancer is the largest subgroup, has increased 1.25 times in all age groups throughout the 2000s. After presentation, an endometrial sample, which is easily obtained through office endometrial biopsy, can confirm the diagnosis, and further testing is then done to guide the course of treatment. Learn more about management guidelines for endometrial cancer. When fertility-sparing therapies are used in correctly selected patients, there is no significant adverse impact on survival. Specifically, patients with stage 1 endometrial cancer treated with fertility-sparing progestin therapy had comparable 5-year survival rates to those treated with hysterectomy, but comparable survival outcomes were not seen in those with higher-stage disease. According to National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, patients must meet all of these criteria to be candidates for fertility-sparing treatment: grade 1 histology, disease limited to endometrium, absence of suspicious metastases, no contraindications to therapy or pregnancy, and counseling that this is not the standard of care. Learn more about management approaches to endometrial cancer.
NDTV
11-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Appendix Cancer Cases On The Rise In Millennials; Everything You Need To Know
Appendix cancer is a rare type of cancer that begins in the cells lining the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. Though traditionally considered uncommon and mostly seen in older adults, recent studies show that appendix cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger populations, especially millennials. This rise is believed to be linked to a combination of lifestyle changes, such as increasing obesity rates, dietary shifts, gut microbiome alterations, and more frequent use of diagnostic imaging like CT scans that detect tumours incidentally. Common causes of appendix cancer Several factors can contribute to the development of appendix cancer. Genetic predisposition is one of the key causes, especially in individuals with inherited syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Chronic inflammation in the digestive tract due to conditions like Crohn's disease or untreated infections can also lead to cellular mutations in the appendix lining. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and diets high in processed foods and low in fibre may further promote an environment conducive to tumour growth. In some cases, long-term use of acid-reducing medications and previous history of gastrointestinal cancers may also increase risk. 10 Common signs of appendix cancer Persistent pain in the lower right abdomen. Often mistaken for appendicitis, this is one of the earliest signs when a tumour starts growing inside the appendix. Tumour growth or fluid accumulation in the abdomen can cause noticeable bloating that doesn't resolve easily. Weight loss without changes in diet or exercise may indicate underlying malignancies like appendix cancer. As tumour grow, they can interfere with digestion, causing persistent nausea. Constipation or diarrhoea that lasts more than a few days could be linked to gastrointestinal disruption caused by tumour. Tumour growth can reduce the available space in the abdomen, causing early satiety. A physical mass may be felt in the lower abdomen if the tumour becomes large. Cancer-related anaemia or inflammation can cause low energy levels and persistent tiredness. Advanced cases may lead to fluid buildup in the abdomen, causing visible swelling. In women, appendix cancer may mimic ovarian tumour and present as unexplained pelvic issues. 10 Prevention tips for appendix cancer Being overweight increases inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which are associated with higher cancer risk. Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains support gut health and may help prevent mutations in digestive tract cells. Diets high in preservatives and sugar can fuel chronic inflammation and encourage abnormal cell growth. Physical activity boosts immune function, supports digestion, and helps maintain a healthy weight, all important in cancer prevention. Excess alcohol can damage the digestive tract lining and raise overall cancer risk. Smoking introduces carcinogens into the body, increasing the risk of cellular mutations in organs like the appendix. Unaddressed gastrointestinal infections may lead to prolonged inflammation and higher cancer risk. If you have conditions like Crohn's disease or chronic gastritis, regular follow-ups can help detect early changes. Genetic testing and early screening may be necessary if there's a strong family history of gastrointestinal or related cancers. Early diagnosis improves outcomes, so see a doctor if you notice ongoing digestive issues, bloating, or unexplained abdominal pain. As awareness and technology improve, more cases are being caught early, but the exact cause behind this generational shift remains under investigation.
Sky News AU
14-05-2025
- Health
- Sky News AU
From cancer patient to doctor: A second chance at life
Dr Natalie Gordon is one of the newest interns at Broken Hill Base Hospital, with her path to medicine being anything but typical. A proud Ngunnawal woman and former teacher, Dr Gordon was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, a genetic disorder which increases the risk of developing certain cancers - in her case, it was Duodenal cancer. Most cancer survivors looked to put hospitals and medical appointments behind them, but Dr Gordon said she couldn't look away. 'It was actually when I was sick, I just thought people in hospital deserve somebody who's going to listen and love them despite what's in front of them,' she told Sky News Australia.
