Pancreatic cancer is often called the “king of cancers” due to its difficulty in early detection and its high mortality rate. On the “Health 1+1” program, Guo Shifang, director of the Department of Integrative Medicine at Chi Mei Medical Center in Taiwan, explained that abdominal pain linked to pancreatic cancer has distinct characteristics and stressed the importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation if such symptoms arise.
Recognizing Abdominal Pain in Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas is positioned behind the stomach, with the psoas major muscle situated directly behind it. When inflamed or affected by cancer, the pancreas can press on the lower back muscles, causing pain that radiates backward.
- The pain occurs in the retroperitoneal area, similar to the stomach but deeper, often accompanied by an aching sensation in the back.
- Pressing on the affected area tends to intensify the pain.
- The discomfort worsens when the body is upright, leading to a tendency to bend forward. Lying on one’s side with knees bent and the body curled can help alleviate the pain.
- Pancreatic cancer most commonly develops in the head of the pancreas, located near the common bile duct. When this occurs, the pain may radiate to the chest and shoulders.
Other Common Symptoms
The pancreas serves both exocrine and endocrine functions. Its exocrine cells produce digestive enzymes, while its endocrine glands release hormones such as insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Therefore, common symptoms of pancreatic cancer also include loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, jaundice, and diabetes.
Common symptoms of pancreatic cancer. The Epoch Times
When a tumor in the head of the pancreas compresses the bile duct or when cancer cells invade it, bile secretion can become obstructed. This often leads to jaundice-related symptoms, including yellowing of the skin, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, dark tea-colored urine, and itchy skin.
Other symptoms of pancreatic cancer. The Epoch Times
The Link Between Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer
New-onset diabetes is considered one of the warning signs of pancreatic cancer.
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Dietary Adjustment for Prevention
Regulating blood sugar is essential for preventing pancreatic cancer.
“We should avoid overworking the pancreas and allow it to rest,” Guo said. She added that consuming excessive amounts of carbohydrates and fats in a single meal forces the pancreas to produce large quantities of insulin and digestive enzymes to process them. This overexertion increases the risk of pancreatic inflammation.
Acute pancreatitis can cause the pancreas to be damaged by its own digestive enzymes, while chronic pancreatitis greatly increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Limit the intake of carbohydrates and fats. A diet high in refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats can contribute to obesity and insulin resistance, both of which are linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Avoid high-temperature cooking methods, such as stir-frying and deep-frying. These methods can generate carcinogenic compounds, such as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which may increase cancer risk.
- Avoid pickled and processed foods. While some pickled foods are healthy due to their probiotic content, the traditional pickling process using salt or nitrates can sometimes lead to the formation of nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic compounds. Additionally, some processed foods may also contain these harmful chemicals.
- Steer clear of high-sugar foods, including excessive consumption of fruits. While fruits are generally healthy, consuming large quantities of high-sugar fruits can lead to elevated blood sugar and insulin levels, which are associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Moderation and balancing fruit intake with other nutrient-dense, low-sugar foods are key.
“We do not need to live like monks. An occasional indulgent meal is likely fine, but frequent overeating can lead to various health issues,” Guo said.
Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer
Smoking is a significant risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Studies show that smokers are more than twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to non-smokers.
Guo also emphasized minimizing exposure to secondhand smoke, cooking fumes, and incense smoke, even without being a smoker.
Stress as a Trigger for Cancer Development
Managing stress and maintaining emotional balance are crucial for cancer prevention.
Pancreatic Cancer Screening Recommendations
Guo recommends that anyone with suspected symptoms of pancreatic cancer start with a blood test to check for markers such as CA 19-9, a protein often produced by pancreatic tumor cells and released into the bloodstream. Elevated levels of CA 19-9 can indicate pancreatic cancer, though they are not specific to the disease and may also be elevated in other conditions, such as pancreatitis or bile duct obstruction.
If abnormalities are detected, further imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, may be necessary to evaluate the pancreas more closely. However, these tests alone are not definitive for diagnosing pancreatic cancer. The only way to confirm the presence of cancer is through a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is taken from the pancreas and examined under a microscope for cancerous cells.
