We're saddened here at CR by the death of Patrick Swayze yesterday, after a long battle with
pancreatic cancer. This type of cancer is diagnosed in more than 37,000 Americans each year, but little is known about the causes of it. Typically, pancreatic cancer is very difficult to treat because it is rarely diagnosed early enough for surgery.
Swayze, a long-time smoker, told Barbara Walters during
an interview on ABC that smoking probably, "had something to do with my pancreatic cancer." And indeed it is one of the leading risk factors for the disease. Doctors don't know why any one person gets pancreatic cancer, but there are some risk factors including:
- Smoking: Smokers are at a higher risk of getting pancreatic cancer.
- Drinking: Heavy drinkers may also be at a higher risk of getting the disease.
- Diet: Eating a lot of meat or fatty foods, and not enough fruits and vegetables may increase risk.
- Obesity: Those with a body mass index of 30 or more have an increased chance of getting pancreatic cancer.
- Genetics: About 1 in 10 people who have pancreas cancer have inherited changes in their genes that lead to pancreatic cancer
To reduce your risk of getting pancreas cancer, eat healthily, with plenty of fruits and vegetables; l
ose weight, through exercise and diet and stop
smoking (subscribers can use our
Ratings to find the best way to quit).
There is no screening test to catch pancreatic cancer early. The most common symptoms caused by the growth and spread of the cancer include:
- Pain in your back or belly
- Yellow skin (jaundice)
- Feeling very tired
- Losing your appetite
- Losing weight
These symptoms can also be caused by a variety of other less serious illnesses and conditions. But, nevertheless, it is worth seeing a doctor for these symptoms, whatever their cause.
—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor
Learn more about pancreatic cancer and find out what
treatments work best (subscribers). If you receive a diagnosis for pancreatic cancer, here's
our list of questions to ask your doctor.
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