Pancreatic Cancer: Overview
Pancreatic cancer is a complex and aggressive form of cancer that originates in the pancreas, a vital organ located in the abdomen. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, with just over 56,000 new cases and 45,000 deaths estimated in 2021. Unfortunately, the majority of pancreatic cancer cases are not detected until the disease is already advanced and difficult to treat. As a result, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is just 9%.
Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer
Treatment for pancreatic cancer is determined by a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health and age, and the type of pancreatic cancer. Common treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. In some cases, a combination of these treatments is recommended. Unfortunately, the prognosis for pancreatic cancer is often poor, with many patients surviving less than a year after diagnosis.
What Eventually Kills Pancreatic Cancer?
The exact cause of death for pancreatic cancer patients is often difficult to determine. In many cases, death is the result of complications from the disease, such as infections, bleeding, or organ failure. In other cases, the cancer itself can spread to other organs and tissues, causing them to fail. Additionally, the treatments used to treat pancreatic cancer can also be taxing on the body, leading to malnutrition, fatigue, and other complications. Ultimately, it is the combination of these factors that can lead to death in pancreatic cancer patients.
