Hyderabad: Pancreatic cancer is silent killer

Hyderabad: Chronic local inflammation in the digestive system which is recurrent in nature or not treated properly is the highest risk factor for pancreatic cancer, oncologists said. While the cause of pancreatic cancer is not known, the fact that it is being identified in the last stages is a cause of concern.

Dr Sai Ram, senior oncologist in MNJ Cancer Hospital, said, “We are seeing cases where the patients are coming at the last stage and it is challenging to treat them. At the same time, diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is difficult. It is not known as the patient does not have any obvious symptoms.”

The problems of bowel obstruction, pain, jaundice and weight loss occur only when the cancer is at an advanced stage. At this stage while the tumours are surgically removed the patient’s survival rate is a challenge as they are not able to deal with the remaining treatment of chemotherapy or radiation.

Dr K. Sri, senior oncologist, said, “There is lack of data but it can be said there is a rise in the tumours in the digestive track. It requires to be meticulously tabulated. While colon cancers are being seen in clinics, there are other tumours in the digestive track which have to be closely tabulated and understood.”

The major causes for these cancers are gum inflammations, inflammations in the digestive system, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and smoking.