Understanding the Vital Role of the Pancreas
The pancreas performs absolutely vital functions, such as regulating blood sugar levels through the production of insulin and providing digestive enzymes to break down the food we eat. These enzymes are essential for the body to convert nutrients into energy, fueling all the activities of tissues and organs.
Risk Factors
The widespread belief that pancreatic cancer only affects older people with risk factors such as smoking or a family history of the disease is partly incorrect. In reality, factors such as genetics, toxins, obesity, and even being tall can all contribute to or increase the chances of developing these tumors.
Symptom #1: Jaundice
A potential early sign of pancreatic cancer is yellowing of the skin and eyes, medically known as jaundice. This jaundice occurs when bilirubin, a yellow bile pigment, accumulates in the blood. Normally, the liver filters bilirubin, which then passes through the bile duct into the intestines and is excreted in the stool. However, when pancreatic tumors develop, they often obstruct the bile ducts, preventing bilirubin from reaching the intestines. The bilirubin then accumulates in the blood, appearing under the skin and in the eyes, giving them a yellowish tint. The more advanced the obstruction, the darker and more widespread the yellowing will be.
Symptom #2: Rapid and Unexpected Weight Loss
Rapid and unexplained weight loss can also indicate pancreatic cancer. As pancreatic tumors grow, they draw calories and nutrients from healthy tissues, thus burning more calories. The tumors also interfere with the secretion of digestive enzymes necessary for proper nutrient absorption, thereby accelerating weight loss. While small weight fluctuations are normal for most people, significant and rapid weight loss requires medical evaluation.
