One of the doctors behind the Sandler-Kenner Foundation talks about early symptoms.

Irving, TX, — Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of this disease known to man. Despite high mortality and growing incidence rates, many people remain largely in the dark about this form of cancer that may strike men and women alike. Understanding the risks and the more common symptoms associated with this disease, however, can be crucial for improving outcomes.

“Pancreatic cancer affects about 53,000 American men and women each year,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, one of the physicians behind the Sandler-Kenner Foundation and the founder and lead surgeon at Choice Cancer Care. “Although not the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer, the disease claims more than 43,000 lives annually.”

Pancreatic cancer’s current 5-year survival rate of less than 10 percent is attributed to a number of factors. This disease, for example, has no routine screening like breast cancer or prostate. In addition, it tends to present with few, if any, symptoms at its onset. Complicating matters, symptoms are often attributed to other causes. All of that adds up, Dr. Echt says, to a very real need for people to understand risks and symptoms.

“Risk factors include family history, obesity, newly diagnosed diabetes and chronic pancreatitis, among others,” says Dr. Echt. “People with these concerns are strongly advised to talk to their doctors about their risks, and to learn more about this disease. Early symptoms of the disease may include jaundice, digestive problems, newly onset diabetes and back pain, among others.”

As researchers continue to work to find better screening tools and treatments for pancreatic cancer, understanding risks and symptoms is a sound defense against this disease. People at risks should talk to their doctors about steps they may take to lower their odds.

The Sandler-Kenner Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about pancreatic cancer while offering support for potentially lifesaving research.

About Author
The Sandler-Kenner Foundation was started by Gregory A. Echt, M.D. and his wife, Susan T. Echt, after they lost two of their dear friends, Michael and Peter, to premature deaths from pancreatic cancer.