Until recently, the only thing I could tell you about the pancreas was how it was spelled. In short, it is a part of the digestive/exocrine and endocrine systems. Its primary functions are making insulin to control blood sugar levels and producing enzymes that help with digestion. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
Pancreatic cancer took the lives of Steve Jobs, Alex Trebek, Aretha Franklin and Patrick Swayze.
The average person has a <2% chance of getting pancreatic cancer. My genetic mutation increases my chances up to 10%.
Much like ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer is difficult to catch early and has a low survival rate (only 5-10% survive 5 years after diagnosis). It is known to grow and spread quickly. While one can live without a pancreas, most deaths occur due to liver failure because the cancer had spread.
As with all cancers, early detection increases survivability. While there is not yet a standard test for identifying pancreatic cancer, under the care of my gastroenterologist, I have some screening options. My current plan is to have a colonoscopy every 3 years and rotate every year with an MRI and an Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS). We are also using blood tests to monitor enzyme levels, liver function and tumor marker CA19-9 levels, but I’ve been told those are of little consequence.
So far, my colonoscopy and blood test results have come back fine. I am scheduled for my initial MRI and EUS in the coming weeks. Given how aggressive pancreatic cancer can be, these measures seem inadequate. The only other thing I can do is be attentive to any changes and press for additional measures if I feel like something is off. That’s what Maria Menounos did to catch her pancreatic cancer early. As she says, “If symptoms persist, so should you.” That’s sound advice regarding any aspect of your health.
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. You can learn more here, here and here. You can also sign up for a free virtual webinar to learn more about early detection here.
Trina Baughn 