Pancreatic cancer is one of the dangerous types of cancer. Out of every one lakh people, five become victims of Pancreatic cancer every year. People in the age group of 60-80 years are more likely to get this type of cancer. They account for about 80 percent of the total cases. It occurs more in men than women. Pancreatic cancer comprises of many different tumors that have different shapes and sizes and can be treated differently.

Changes in DNA cause Pancreatic cancer. These changes or mutations can either be inherited or happen by chance. Some mutations are inherited from previous generations while some changes can be acquired due to exposure to carcinogens.

- Risk Factors: Smokers and diabetes patients have high risk of getting pancreatic cancer. Age is another factor. Consumption of Meats, fried food and food high in cholesterol too increases the risk.

Consumption of fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.

- Symptoms:
Patient could lose weight and appetite, feel tired and discomfort in abdomen. Patient could also develop intolerance to glucose. Jaundice is also one of the symptoms.In addition, the patient may experience pain in the abdomen and back. Other symptoms include dizziness and weakness.

- Diagnosis:
CAT scan and ultrasound can be done to diagnose Pancreatic Cancer. But the usual method of diagnosis is histopathology. Biopsy can also be done to examine whether cancerous cells are present in pancreas.

- Treatment:
Pancreatic Cancer can be treated through:

1. Surgery: In case of pancreatic cancer surgery involves difficult operations as a result you have to be completely fit for it. Chemotherapy can be conducted after surgery to ensure that cancer does not recure.

2. Radiotherapy: Tumor is reduced through radiotherapy. Doctors suggest radiotherapy instead of surgery to get rid of symptoms, like pain.

3. Chemotherapy: If done after surgery, chemotherapy reduces risk of cancer recurring. In some cases like advanced stage of pancreatic cancer it is also used as primary treatment.