Pancreatic Cancer

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Unfortunately, at times, cancer can start at the pancreas and it's called pancreatic cancer. The pancreas is a vital part of the digestive system because it breaks down sugars, fats, starches and produces hormones. If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms listed below, we encourage you to see your physician. 

Signs and Symptoms

  • Yellow eyes and skin (Jaundice) 
  • Dark (Brown) Urine
  • Light-Colored stool 
  • Abdomen and/or back pain
  • Unknown weight loss 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Enlarged gallbladder or liver 
  • Blood clots

Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer

Risk factors can increase your chance of developing a disease, for instance, cancer. Cancers have a variety of factors that can put an individual at risk, and specifically for pancreatic cancer those factors include: 

  • Smoking and tobacco use
  • Obese (overweight) 
  • Diabetic Chronic pancreatitis 
  • Exposure to harmful chemicals 

Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer

There are many ways for pancreatic cancer to be diagnosed such as X-rays to CT scans, MRI's and more. You can trust that CHRISTUS Health has the technology to ensure we provide you with accurate results. To learn more about our different diagnostic and screening tests, click the button below. 

Cancer Care Close to Home

If you or you know of someone who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, turn to the compassionate and experienced cancer care team at CHRISTUS Health. We discuss a variety of treatment options that tailors to your condition. Some of the common treatments offered are radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. However, it can be possible to have a combination of treatments close to your home.