Pancreatic cancer is a relatively uncommon type of cancer compared to other types of cancer. However, it is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of 10% or less.
In terms of incidence, it is estimated that around 60,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year in the United States. Most people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are over 65 years old, and the cancer is slightly more common in men than in women.
Importantly, pancreatic cancer can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages, as symptoms often do not appear until the cancer has spread to other organs. As a result, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed in advanced stages, making it more difficult to treat.
Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen that lies behind the lower stomach. The pancreas releases enzymes that aid digestion and produces hormones that help control blood glucose.
Several types of tumors can occur in the pancreas, including cancerous and noncancerous tumors. The most common type of cancer that forms in the pancreas begins in the cells that line the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma).
Pancreatic cancer is rarely detected in its early stages, when it is most curable. This is because it often doesn’t cause symptoms until after it has spread to other organs.
Treatment options for pancreatic cancer are chosen based on the extent of the cancer. They may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.
In this video, I explain how pancreatic cancer develops and why it is so deadly.

Hello, my name is Oswaldo Restrepo. I am a doctor specializing in occupational health and safety, with training in epidemiology, management systems, and risks.

Pancreatic cancer is a topic that hits close to home for many people, as it is a disease that can affect anyone. Despite being relatively rare compared to other types of cancer, the impact of pancreatic cancer can be devastating due to its low survival rate.

As a doctor, I have seen firsthand the challenges that come with diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer. The symptoms of this disease can be vague and easily mistaken for other, less serious conditions. This often leads to a delayed diagnosis, by which point the cancer has already progressed to a more advanced stage.

The pancreas is a crucial organ in the body, responsible for producing enzymes that aid in digestion and regulating blood sugar levels. When cancer develops in the pancreas, it can disrupt these important functions and spread rapidly to other parts of the body.

Treatment options for pancreatic cancer are limited, particularly in cases where the cancer has already spread. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy may be used to try and slow the progression of the disease, but the overall prognosis remains poor.

In my video, I delve into the complexities of pancreatic cancer and why it is such a deadly disease. By understanding how this cancer develops and spreads, we can work towards better detection methods and more effective treatments.

It is important for individuals to be aware of the risk factors for pancreatic cancer, such as smoking, obesity, and a family history of the disease. By recognizing these factors and seeking medical attention if any concerning symptoms arise, early detection and intervention may be possible.

While pancreatic cancer remains a challenging disease to treat, ongoing research and advancements in medical technology offer hope for improved outcomes in the future. By raising awareness and supporting efforts to combat this deadly cancer, we can work towards a future where pancreatic cancer is no longer a death sentence.