Cancer of the Pancreas

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Although pancreatic cancer ranks as the 12th most common form of cancer it now represents the 3rd most frequent cause of cancer related death outnumbering even breast cancer. Fatalities from pancreas cancer appear poised to surpass deaths from colon cancer within this decade. Over the past 40 years the likelihood of surviving 5 years after diagnosis has remained in single digits.

This year in the United States about 53,000 individuals will receive the diagnosis with the death toll exceeding 44,000. Worldwide both numbers are in the mid-400,000 range. Genetic alterations play a central role in development of pancreatic cancer. The incidence appears markedly greater in developed countries of Western Europe and North America compared to the risk in Africa and Asia. Gut microbes, diet and family history appear the most likely culprits. Cigarette smoking and alcohol, especially in quantities sufficient to cause chronic pancreatitis, compound the problem.

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