Click to enlarge

Today, pancreatic cancer ranks sixth in the list of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is predicted to rank second by 2040. Dr Abhirup Banerjee, Consultant Gastro-Intestinal, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Liver Transplant Surgeon at P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, says, “These numbers are not only alarming, but also give an indication of the aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer.” What does the pancreas do? The pancreas is one of the few organs with exocrine (secretes enzymes like amylase and lipase into the intestinal tract to help in digestion of food) as well as endocrine function (secretes hormones like insulin and glucagon directly into the bloodstream for blood sugar control). What are the signs of pancreatic disease? Why is it so deadly? Around 50% patients with pancreatic cancer die within three months of diagnosis because of the advanced stage at diagnosis.

Courtesy: Bombay Times