Researchers from the US-based health care provider Allegheny Health Network have discovered that bariatric or weight loss surgery can significantly reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer for obese people with . This study was published in UEG Journal and analysed 14,35.350 patients who had diabetes and obesity concurrently over a period of 20 years. In total, 10,620 patients in the study underwent bariatric surgery (weight loss), an operation which helps patients lose weight through changes to their digestive system.
Type 2 diabetes and obesity are major risk factors for pancreatic cancer
These findings are timely as diabetes, obesity, and pancreatic carcinoma rates are all rising. The EU saw a 5 percent increase in pancreatic cancer cases between 1990 and 2016. This is the largest increase among the top five cancers in the EU. It’s expected that the disease will be the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the future. In 2020, 46,200 Europeans are expected to die of the disease, up from 42,200 in 2015.
The average survival time for this cancer is only 4.6 months
Syed explains that preventing pancreatic carcinoma is essential, as there has been no improvement in survival rates for the past four decades. This silent killer has a particularly grim average survival rate at diagnosis, which is just 4.6 month, and patients lose 98 percent of their normal life expectancy. Only 3% of patients live more than 5 years. Researchers suggest that clinicians consider bariatric surgeries for patients with such as diabetes or obesity to reduce the risk of pancreatic carcinoma.
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Early detection is key to curing pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, symptoms may not appear until the cancer has spread. Pancreatic cancer is often referred to by its symptoms, which can include stomach pain , back pain , and unexplained loss of weight. Early diagnosis is difficult.
This cancer can cause a radiating abdominal pain that spreads to the back. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss without explanation, yellowing skin, whites of the eyes and stools, and dark urine. Other symptoms include itchy skin and fatigue. You may develop diabetes or have difficulty controlling your existing diabetes.
