The World Pancreatic Cancer Day, observed every year in November, is a reminder that pancreatic cancer is increasing across India, yet very few people talk about it. Many people dismiss their discomfort as a part of ageing, stress, or digestion. However, it’s a disease that hides in plain sight, earning its name as the silent cancer. And by the time it shows itself clearly, the illness has often travelled far ahead of treatment.
Unlike many other cancers, pancreatic cancer rarely causes clear early symptoms. Dr Raman Narang, Consultant Medical & Haematology Oncology, MOC Cancer Care & Research Centre, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi , says, “The signs are small, scattered, and easy to brush aside. But today, we stand on the brink of a new era in cancer care.” With precision oncology, genetic testing, and age-tailored treatment, it is possible to understand who is at risk, and how early detection can change lives.
According to Dr Narang pancreatic cancer often begins with small, familiar signs.
The early clues include:
Unexplained weight loss
Sudden changes in blood sugar (especially new diabetes after age 50)
Back or upper-abdominal discomfort
Loss of appetite
Pale or light-coloured stools
Jaundice
Individually, these seem harmless. Together, they deserve medical attention.
Pancreatic cancer is strongly driven by genetic changes, many of which we can now identify and treat more precisely. Today, treatment often begins with molecular testing rather than chemotherapy.
Testing helps reveal:
DNA repair gene mutations (BRCA1/2, PALB2)
Whether targeted drugs may work
Suitability for immunotherapy
Hereditary patterns that run in families
In fact, every patient with pancreatic cancer—regardless of age—should ideally undergo genetic testing. As I tell families, “Identifying hereditary risks protects more than the patient; it safeguards generations.”
Early signs should never be dismissed in older adults. “In geriatric oncology, the biggest barrier is acceptance. Many elders think, “I’m old, this is normal,” or “Back pain happens in old age. But pancreatic cancer behaves differently in older bodies.” he says, adding, “Today, with frailty assessments, even patients in their late 70s and 80s can safely receive tailored modern treatments.”
A worrying new trend in young adults:
Though still uncommon in younger people, the cases we do see are concerning—and often linked to lifestyle or hereditary factors.
These include:
Hereditary syndromes
Smoking
Obesity
Chronic pancreatitis
High-fat diets
Heavy alcohol use
For younger patients, I emphasise fertility preservation, genetic counselling, and long-term survivorship planning.
Practical do’s and don’ts
Dos:
Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking
Reduce alcohol intake
Manage diabetes proactively
Eat more plant-based foods
Discuss family history with your doctor
Consider genetic testing when advised
Don’ts:
Ignore new symptoms lasting beyond two to three weeks
Assume pancreatic cancer is an “elderly disease”
Dismiss discomfort as “just acidity”
Rely solely on home remedies
FAQs on pancreatic cancer:
1. What is pancreatic cancer?
A cancer that begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ that helps with digestion and blood sugar control.
2. What are common symptoms?
Symptoms may include abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, loss of appetite, or digestive problems.
3. What causes pancreatic cancer?
Risk factors include smoking, family history, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, and age.
4. How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?
Through imaging tests (CT/MRI), blood tests, and sometimes biopsy.
5. Can pancreatic cancer be treated?
Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies, depending on the stage.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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