Pancreatic Cancer Cases On The Rise, Especially In Women

The number of people being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is rising, particularly in Black women. According to a recent study by scientists from Cedars-Sinai Cancer, rates of pancreatic cancer are increasing. Their research, which was published in the journal Gastroenterology, found rates among women under 55 were 2.4 per cent higher than men of the same age. It also revealed rates for young Back women were 2.23 per cent greater than for young Black men. It is thought the type of tumour and its location could be to explain for more cases being detected. Men had historically been linked to pancreatic cancer more than women, with many experts believing this could be to smoking more tobacco, which increases their risk. Other lifestyle habits that raise the chances of developing pancreatic cancer include diets high in red or processed meats and saturated fats; a lack of physical activity; and drinking lots of coffee and alcohol. This study could encourage more people to change their lifestyle to reduce their risk of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Srinivas Gaddam, associate director of Pancreatic Biliary Research at Cedars-Sinai, said: “The data shows us a small increase in risk of pancreatic cancer. And that awareness might refocus people on the need to stop smoking, reduce alcohol use, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and manage their weight.” Anyone who is experiencing abdominal pain that radiates to the back, unexplained weight loss and a loss of appetite, jaundice, dark-coloured urine or light-coloured stools, itchy skin, blood clots, or fatigue should seek an oncology diagnosis as soon as possible to rule out pancreatic cancer.