Pancreatic can.cer has long been disregarded in statistics, but it is now a top priority for clinicians. And for good reason: according to the most recent data, more than 15,000 new cases are diagnosed in France each year, up from less than 10,000 in 2010. This huge growth ranks this disease among the most dreaded can.cers.
Between 1990 and 2018, the incidence rate rose by 2.7% per year in men and 3.8% in women. If this trend continues, pancreatic can.cer might become the second biggest cause of cancer death, after lung cancer. But why is there such a change?
Tobacco and alcohol: well-known risk factors.
The pancreas, a tiny gland found behind the stomach, is vital for digestion and blood sugar management. When a tumor grows there, it is frequently discovered late, making treatment difficult.
Tobacco and alcohol are among the most significant risk factors found. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) believes that they are involved in 20-30% of instances. Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of having this malignancy by 1.8 times.
Dr. Antoine Hollebecque, a gut can.cer specialist at the Gustave Roussy Institute, notes that these factors do not entirely account for the quick spike in cases: “The problem is that no one knows precisely all the causes of this increase.”
In about 5% of cases , genetic predispositions have been identified. Certain genes associated with breast can.cer, for example, could also promote the development of pancreatic can.cer.
The danger increases when multiple members of the same family are affected. If there is a family history, it is essential that you consult your doctor to discuss proper monitoring.
Environmental influences are under studied.
Another route being investigated is environmental variables. Pollution, pesticides, food additives… all of these factors are likely to play an impact, albeit evidence is still sparse. Modern lives, with their associated stress and processed foods, may also have a role.
Pancreatic can.cer typically develops between the ages of 60 and 70. Its treatment is made all the more challenging because it is often asymptomatic in its early stages and thus diagnosed late.\
What are the chances of surviving today?
The conclusion remains concerning: median survival following diagnosis is still less than a year. Only a small percentage of patients (about 20%) benefit from surgery paired with chemotherapy, which increases the likelihood of remission.
According to the American Can.cer Society, five-year survival remains between 5 to 10%, and 10-year survival remains extremely low, close to levels seen in the 1970s. As a result, research and prevention remain the most viable levers for reversing this trend.
Staying aware of risk factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle can already make a significant difference.
