Pancreatic Cancer

Symptoms: Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is any pain or discomfort that occurs between the lower chest and the groin. Commonly referred to as the “belly,” the abdomen consists of many organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, esophagus, and numerous blood vessels. Abdominal pain may be generalized, occurring throughout the abdomen, or it may be present in a small area of the belly.

Abdominal pain is a symptom of a wide variety of mild to serious diseases, disorders and conditions, such as indigestion, stress, infection, gallstones, inflammation, intestinal obstruction, peptic ulcer, and cancer. Abdominal pain can also occur as a side effect of medication.

Treatment: Choices for Pancreatic Cancer

Researchers are continually finding new ways to treat pancreatic cancer. People diagnosed with this cancer now have more hope for survival than ever before.

The choices that you have for treatment depend on these factors.

• Type, size, and location of the tumor in your pancreas

• Results of lab tests

• Extent of the disease, called the stage

• Status of your health and your age

• Your personal concerns and preferences

Many people want to learn all they can about their cancer and treatment choices so that they can make confident decisions about their care. If you’re one of them, you’re likely to have many questions. For instance, most people with pancreatic cancer want to know if they’ll have to change their normal activities after treatment. Your doctor is the best person to answer your questions.

Living with: Am I At Risk for Pancreatic Cancer?

There is no way to know for sure if you’re going to get pancreatic cancer. And there is no known way to prevent it. Certain factors can make you more likely to get this type of cancer than another person. These are called risk factors. Some risk factors, such as age or family history, are out of your control. Other risk factors, such as smoking and diet, can be controlled. Here are the most common risk factors for pancreatic cancer.

I smoke or have smoked in the past.

Smoking is a risk factor for many types of cancer. It is also a risk factor for pancreatic cancer.