Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer starts inside the pancreas, an organ found deep within the body behind the stomach. The pancreas aids in digestion and releases hormones that help regulate sugars in your blood. This form of cancer spreads rapidly and is rarely caught in the early stages. Common symptoms include upper abdominal and back pain, loss of appetite, depression, unexplained weight loss and blood clotting. Treatments for pancreatic cancer may include surgery to remove small portions of the pancreas, clinical trials, and chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Pancreatic cancer equally affects men and women, so it is important to attend routine wellness exams and express any concerns with a doctor.