November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and there's a reason doctors like us talk about this disease each year. Pancreatic cancer is one of those cancers that benefits hugely from early detection, yet it's often caught late. That's why we want to have this conversation with you now, before symptoms ever appear.
Let’s Talk About Your Pancreas
Think of your pancreas as a quiet, behind-the-scenes worker. It sits tucked behind your stomach, performing two essential functions: helping you digest food and regulating your blood sugar levels. Most of us never think about it until something goes wrong.
When cells in this organ start growing abnormally, that’s pancreatic cancer. Because this organ is so deep inside your body, problems here can be hard to spot early on. But knowing what to look for gives you a real advantage.
Are You At A Higher Risk?
Here’s the truth: anyone can develop pancreatic cancer. But some people face higher odds, and it helps to know where you stand.
While anyone can develop it, certain factors increase your risk. Most people who develop this cancer are over 65, though it can happen earlier. If you smoke, your risk doubles compared to someone who's never smoked. We know quitting is hard, but this is one of the most powerful changes you can make for your health.
Family history matters too. If a parent, sibling, or child has had pancreatic cancer, your risk increases. The same goes if you've dealt with chronic pancreatitis, which is long-term inflammation of the pancreas often linked to heavy alcohol use.
Here’s something many people don’t know: if you’re over 50 and suddenly develop diabetes with no obvious reason, mention it to your doctor. While diabetes itself is common on its own, sudden diabetes in older adults can sometimes be an early warning sign of pancreatic cancer. Carrying extra weight, eating too much red meat and processed meats, and having certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA2, can also increase your risk.
What Symptoms Should You Watch For?
Pancreatic cancer earns its reputation as a "silent disease" because you might not feel anything wrong until the cancer has grown larger. That's exactly why awareness matters. Yet as it grows, your body starts sending signals.
Many people describe a dull ache in their upper abdomen that spreads to their back. This pain often gets worse after you eat or when you lie down at night. Unexplained weight loss without trying is another red flag to watch for. Other symptoms include feeling nauseous, vomiting, difficulty digesting food, and experiencing persistent fatigue for no apparent reason. None of these symptoms means you definitely have pancreatic cancer, but they do mean it’s time to talk with your doctor.
How Do Our Astera Doctors Treat it?
Your treatment options depend on whether doctors find the cancer early, where it's located in your pancreas, and your overall health. Surgery offers the best chance for a cure when caught early. During surgery, doctors might remove part of your pancreas along with nearby tissue. One common procedure, called the Whipple procedure, involves removing the head of your pancreas plus parts of your small intestine, bile duct, and stomach.
Many patients receive chemotherapy, which uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. You might receive chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor, after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, or as the main treatment if surgery isn't possible. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches tailored specifically to their situation.
If you're worried about pancreatic cancer because of your symptoms or family history, don't put off getting checked. Early conversations with your doctor can make all the difference. Contact Astera Cancer Care today to schedule an appointment and get the answers you need about your health. We're here to listen, to answer your questions, and to help you feel confident about your next steps.