Pancreatic Cancer
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Unfortunately, at times, cancer can start at the pancreas and it's called pancreatic cancer. The pancreas is a vital part of the digestive system because it breaks down sugars, fats, starches and produces hormones. If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms listed below, we encourage you to see your physician.
Signs and Symptoms
- Yellow eyes and skin (Jaundice)
- Dark (Brown) Urine
- Light-Colored stool
- Abdomen and/or back pain
- Unknown weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Enlarged gallbladder or liver
- Blood clots
Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer
Risk factors can increase your chance of developing a disease, for instance, cancer. Cancers have a variety of factors that can put an individual at risk, and specifically for pancreatic cancer those factors include:
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Obese (overweight)
- Diabetic Chronic pancreatitis
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer
Cancer Care Close to Home
If you or you know of someone who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, turn to the compassionate and experienced cancer care team at CHRISTUS Health. We discuss a variety of treatment options that tailors to your condition. Some of the common treatments offered are radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. However, it can be possible to have a combination of treatments close to your home.
