Pancreatic cancer has made too many headlines in 2020, most recently by claiming beloved TV host Alex Trebek of “Jeopardy!” fame. Earlier, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Rep. John Lewis also died of the disease.
They’re among the roughly 50,000 Americans who die each year from the disease, which is often called one of the toughest cancers.
Most cases are diagnosed after age 60.
November happens to be Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. So this seems like a good time to learn more about it and your risk.
The cause of pancreatic cancer remains unknown. And it can strike anyone.
But experts have identified certain risk factors – and they say that exercise is thought to reduce the risk and to benefit treatment.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network says, “Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and may help pancreatic cancer patients gain physical strength to help them better tolerate treatment.
“Research indicates that physical activity may have beneficial effects on several aspects of cancer survivorship, including weight gain, quality of life, cancer recurrence or progression, and prognosis.”
Also recommended:
Eat a heathy diet
Maintain proper weight
Limit alcohol consumption
Don’t smoke cigarettes
But much is beyond our control:
Family history with the disease
Race – African-Americans have a higher incidence
Gender – Men are slightly more prone to get it
While there are some treatments available, the disease is basically uncurable.
Please talk to your doctor about screening and risk factors.