{"id":1358,"date":"2023-05-03T19:24:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-03T19:24:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2023-09-20T00:09:58","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T16:09:58","slug":"why-is-pancreatic-cancer-so-devastating-heres-what-you-can-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/why-is-pancreatic-cancer-so-devastating-heres-what-you-can-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Why is Pancreatic Cancer so Devastating? Here\u2019s What You Can Do"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to Mayo Clinic\u2019s<\/a> Dr. Santhi Swaroop Vege, pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal<\/a> forms of cancer. It\u2019s difficult to detect, survival rates are low, and successful treatment isn\u2019t always the outcome, despite advances in medical technology.<\/p>\n

It’s a diagnosis that nobody wants to hear, and it can be incredibly difficult to cope with, but there is hope. Nobody likes to hear about cancer, but understanding its mechanisms and the resources you have at your disposal can make a world of difference. Knowledge is our first line of defense:<\/p>\n

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An Aggressive Cancer<\/h3>\n

Pancreatic cancer is also known for its aggressive nature. Even when the cancer is detected early, it can be difficult to treat because pancreatic tumors tend to be resistant to chemotherapy and radiation. <\/p>\n

Additionally, the cancer can spread quickly to nearby organs like the liver and lungs, further complicating already limited treatment options. Surgery is often the most effective treatment for pancreatic cancer, but it’s only an option for those with an early diagnosis. Chemotherapy and radiation can be used to shrink the tumor before surgery or to slow the growth of the cancer, but they are often ineffective in curing the disease. However, medical technology is advancing and there are more options available today, such as immunotherapy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Causes of Pancreatic Cancer<\/h3>\n

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is still unknown, but there are several risk factors, notably lifestyle-oriented variables that can be improved<\/a>, that increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Some of the most common risk factors include:<\/p>\n