The "Silent Killer" That Comes Quietly... Do Not Miss the Subtle Signs of Pancreatic Cancer

A 50% Increase in Eight Years,
Early Detection Remains Challenging

"I didn't have any particular symptoms, but they found it during a test?" This is a common remark made by pancreatic cancer patients during consultations. Because pancreatic cancer often progresses without clear warning signs, it is commonly referred to as the "silent killer."

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Cancer Information Center, the number of new pancreatic cancer patients increased from 6,509 in 2015 to 9,748 in 2023, marking an approximate 50% rise over eight years. Pancreatic cancer has also moved up from the ninth to the eighth most common cancer, and the country is soon to see an era where annual cases exceed 10,000.

As of 2023, there were 4,925 male patients and 4,823 female patients, showing similar levels. By age group, the highest incidence was among those in their 60s (28.3%) and 70s (28.1%). Those aged 80 or older accounted for 24.3%, indicating a high proportion among the elderly.

The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is 17%, which is significantly lower than that of stomach cancer (78.6%) or colorectal cancer (74.3%). This is because the pancreas is located deep behind the peritoneum, making early detection difficult, and because it is adjacent to major blood vessels, allowing the cancer to progress rapidly. In fact, more than half of patients are diagnosed at a stage when surgery is no longer possible.

Although there are no clear symptoms in the early stages, the body does send warning signals. Abdominal or back pain, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, digestive issues, loss of appetite, and sudden onset of diabetes are representative symptoms. In particular, if you develop new diabetes or persistently experience digestive discomfort, a thorough examination should be considered. These changes, especially after the age of 40, warrant extra caution.

The key to pancreatic cancer treatment is whether surgery is possible. If detected at an early stage, surgery offers the possibility of a cure. Depending on the tumor's location, a pancreaticoduodenectomy is performed for tumors in the head of the pancreas, while a distal pancreatectomy is performed for tumors in the body or tail. Recently, treatment outcomes have gradually improved as approaches such as preoperative chemotherapy to shrink tumors and multidisciplinary collaborative care have become more widely adopted.

While there is no definite way to prevent pancreatic cancer, managing risk factors is essential. Smoking is a leading risk factor, and alcohol consumption, obesity, and a high-fat diet also contribute. A balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and routine health checkups are important. Especially for those with a family history or diabetes, more proactive management is necessary.

Yang Kwangho, Director of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery at Joeun Gangan Hospital, emphasized, "Pancreatic cancer starts quietly, but it is by no means trivial. The most important response is to manage risk through regular checkups and not to overlook the body's subtle signals."

[Image source=Joeun Gangan Hospital]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.