Located just behind the stomach, the pancreas plays a crucial role in secreting hormones and enzymes that aid in food digestion and sugar processing. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate and is considered one of the deadliest forms of cancer, accounting for a significant portion (3%) of all cancer-related deaths in the United States. Despite being more prevalent in men, pancreatic cancer remains a significant health concern for both genders.
In a large-scale countrywide investigation, Cedars-Sinai Cancer Center researchers found that pancreatic cancer rates are growing — and rising faster among younger women, especially Black women, than among males of the same age.
Their findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Gastroenterology today.
The investigators in this study analyzed data from the National Program of Cancer Registries (NCPR) database, which covers about 64.5% of the U.S. population, to examine the cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed between the years 2001 and 2018.
The study revealed that the incidence of pancreatic cancer has risen among both male and female populations. Surprisingly, the rate of increase among women under the age of 55 was found to be 2.4% higher than that of men of the same age. Similarly, elevated rates were recorded in older men and women. Additionally, the researchers discovered that young Black women had a 2.23% higher rate of pancreatic cancer compared to young Black men.
“And while we’re reporting improving survival in pancreatic cancer each year, that improvement is largely among men,” remarks senior author Srinivas Gaddam. “The mortality rate among women is not improving.”
The investigators suggested one potential reason for the observed trend could be attributed to the nature and location of tumors. They discovered that the rates of pancreatic head adenocarcinoma, a particularly dangerous type of tumor located at the head of the pancreas, seem to be on the rise.
Despite this, Gaddam emphasized that further studies are needed to uncover the underlying causes of these trends. He also stated that the observed increase is relatively small at this stage and should not be a cause for undue concern.
The findings of the paper showed “a small increase in risk of pancreatic cancer.”
The author advised people to refocus on their health and “stop smoking, reduce alcohol use, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and manage their weight.
“These lifestyle changes,” according to the author, “all help decrease the risk of pancreatic cancer.”
Individuals who experience chronic abdominal pain may worry that it is a sign of pancreatic cancer, however, according to Gaddam, this is typically indicative of another condition. However, if one experiences sudden, unexplained weight loss or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), it is recommended that they seek medical attention immediately, as these symptoms may point towards pancreatic cancer or another serious health issue.
In the future, Gaddam’s study will concentrate on figuring out the reasons for these patterns, including looking at possible variations between pancreatic cancers in men and women.
Image Credit: Getty