Pancreatic cancer is the fourth-leading cause of death among cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. Depending on how early it's detected, and the location, pancreatic cancer can be treated and the prognosis can be positive. Unfortunately, if there's a late detection and the cancer has spread, the outcome is fatal.
Hard to Detect
According to the National Cancer Institute, pancreatic cancer is hard to detect because the symptoms often develop in later stages. Since the pancreas is located behind the stomach, the tumors are difficult to see or feel.
Early Detection
According to the American Cancer Society, there are no blood tests to screen for this type of cancer. When symptoms are present it often means the cancer has already spread and treatments become less successful.
Cases
According to the American Cancer Society, about 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and more than 35,000 Americans will die from it in 2009.
Surgery
Surgery can only be performed if the cancer has not spread outside the pancreas. According to the Mayo Clinic, only a small portion of pancreatic cancers have a good chance of being completely removed through surgery.
Radiation Treatment
Radiation treatment uses high beams of radiation to kill or prevent the cancer cells from spreading. This method can be used in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy.
Drug Treatments
Chemotherapy and targeted drug treatments are designed to kill or block the cancer from growing. These drug treatments can be used in conjunction with surgery and radiation treatments.
