Pancreatic Cancer is A Lethal Killer
The deadliest of all tumor cancers. The symptoms are vague and are often not even noticed until the cancer has spread beyond the pancreas to other organs. Once it has spread, chances of survival are remote.
- Over 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed in 2011. Over 37,000 will die in the same year.
- Average lifespan after diagnosis is 3 to 9 months.
- 75% will not survive the first year.
- 5 year survival rate is less than 6%.
- 1 in every 76 will be stricken in their lifetime.
- In spite of its low incidence rate versus other cancer-types, pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths.
Slow Medical Advancement and Little Funding
In 2009, the Federal government's National Cancer Institute only allocated about 2% of its annual $5 Billion budget to pancreatic cancer research. There has been very little little improvement in survival rates in the last 4 decades. There are no easy detection methods that will detect the cancer before it metastasizes and spreads to other organs.
Compared to more prevalent cancers such as breast and prostate cancer, a very low amount of money is donated by private firms or individuals towards research of pancreatic cancer. Because patients diw so quickly, there are few patient advocates that are healthy enough to spread awareness.
That's why the Seena Magowitz Foundtion is so passionate and dedicated to raising research funds through grass-roots efforts. Its entire staff is comprised of non-paid volunteers which ensures that 100% of funds received are directly commited to research. It intends to give hope and inspiration that one day this evil disease will be cured. See how you can help.
Pancreatic Cancer Cannot Be Prevented
But the risk can be reduced. There are many risk factors that increase the odds of getting cancer of the pancreas. Since some factors are within a person's control, the risk can be reduced by varying degrees.
Studies show that some risk factors dramatically increase the odds of falling victim to pancreatic cancer and must become a focus priority. Pancreatic cancer cannot be prevented, but it can be somewhat mitigated by developing a healthier lifestyle. You can become you own best advocate.
Major Risks Usually Beyond Control
Although the following risk factors are usually beyond control, there are ways to lower the risk. For example, although we can't control advancing age, we can adapt a healthier lifestyle at an early age. Read other articles within this website for more detail.
- Most cases are diagnosed beyond 55 years old.
- Incidence rates among men are higher than women.
- African Americans are at much greater risk
- Askenazi heritage has great risk.
- Gene heredity.
- Often caused by alcohol abuse.
- Risk of diabetes can be reduced.
Risks That Can Be Controlled
- Low fat diet. Vitamins B6 and B12.
- Maintain good body weight.
- Cigarette smoking is a big risk.
- It is a risk for many things.
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