Pancreatic Cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. While colorectal cancer boasts a survival rate of 40-50%, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains staggeringly low at 12%. Cases of pancreatic cancer, already the fourth most common cancer worldwide, are steadily rising in India too. Everyday 1200 people are diagnosed of pancreatic cancer worldwide. This was said by doctors of Meenakshi Super Speciality Hospital, Madurai, during the ongoing Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
Said Dr. Ramesh Ardhanari, Medical Director, Senior Consultant & Head, Department of Surgery & Surgical Gastroenterology, Meenakshi Super Speciality, Madurai: “A key factor that makes pancreatic cancer very difficult to treat is that just 10-20% patients in India seek treatment at the ideal time. The rest present themselves to the doctor when it is already too late for any kind of effective treatment.”
However, there is a silver lining too as far as India is concerned. Dr. Ramesh Ardhanari added: “There are two types of pancreatic cancer. The first is cancer of pancreas proper. The second is cancer that develops in the ampulla of Vater and spreads to the pancreas. The ampulla is a small opening where the pancreatic and bile ducts meet and empty into the small intestine. In the West, while 80% of pancreatic cancer cases involve pancreas proper, in India it is the reverse -- 80% of cases involve ampullary cancer that spreads to the pancreas. This trend is found all over India. Luckily, the survival rates for ampullary cancer are much higher, in excess of 50%, compared to only 5-10% in the case of pancreatic cancer."
Talking about the rise in incidence of pancreatic cancer in India, Dr. Mohan, Senior Consultant, Department of Surgery & Surgical Gastroenterology with the hospital said: “The risk factors include smoking, heavy alcohol usage, obesity, age greater than 65 years, family history, advanced and uncontrolled diabetes. Dietary shifts associated with Western lifestyles such as increased consumption of processed foods, high-fat diets, and sugary beverages areseverely impacting the incidence of pancreatic cancer in India. Smoking and alcohol consumption are significant risk factors.”
Added Dr. Krishna Kumar Rathnam, Senior Consultant & Head, Department of Medical Oncology, Meenakshi Super Speciality Hospital: “Pancreatic Cancer often remains asymptomatic until it progresses significantly. Common symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice, and new-onset diabetes emerge only in advanced stages. However, a timely intervention and treatment can be beneficial in curing the disease.”
Said Dr. Alagammai, Senior Consultant, Department of Surgery & Surgical Gastroenterology: “New studies have shown that locally advanced but nonmetastatic tumors may respond well to pre-operative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This may increase the chance of survival in patients. Improved diagnostic techniques such as CT scans, MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) have facilitated earlier detection compared to some years ago.”
At Meenakshi Super Speciality Hospital, we have expertise doctors with over 35 years of experience, high end laboratories, advanced 3T/MRI, advanced endoscopy (EUS) and chemotherapy/radiation facilities, all under the same roof. Every month we are doing 2-3 whipple cases at Meenakshi Super Speciality Hospital.