Pancreatic cancer is a serious condition that is often diagnosed too late in many patients. This aggressive disease ranks 10th in the list of the most deadly cancer in Singapore. While there is no concrete path to prevent it, your risk of developing this deadly cancer can be reduced. This article takes a look at ways that you can do to improve your pancreatic health as well as various options of pancreas cancer treatments in Singapore.
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Understanding Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas is a crucial organ that plays an important role in regulating blood sugar and food digestion. This organ is located behind the stomach and is responsible for producing enzymes that aid in the proper digestion of food by breaking it down in the small intestine. Likewise, the pancreas secretes insulin, which is a hormone that works to control the level of sugar in the blood. The function of the pancreas is very important, hence it should be kept healthy at all times.
When pancreatic cancer develops, the abnormal and unhealthy cells form in the pancreatic tissues. During its onset, the disease usually does not show any symptoms, making early detection almost impossible. Because of this, pancreatic cancer is known to be one of the deadliest types of cancer.
Health risks that are linked to pancreas cancer development are:
- Age – Individuals who are over the age of 60 are at high risk of developing this disease.
- Chronic pancreatitis – Inflammation in the pancreas that is left untreated and persists for a long time can alter the structure of cells in the pancreas, which may increase the risk of cancer formation.
- Diabetes – New-onset or long-term diabetes in older adults can be linked to pancreas cancer.
- Family history – Pancreatic cancer may be passed on through genes. Genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome, can also increase the risk of its development.
- Obesity – Having an unhealthy weight or being obese can increase the chances of developing cancer in the pancreas.
- Smoking – This bad habit is considered as one of the strongest factors that heightens pancreatic cancer risk.
Tips on Boosting Pancreatic Health
The best way to lessen the risk of developing pancreas cancer is to practice a healthy lifestyle and adopt a well-balanced diet. Here are some tips on how to keep your pancreas happy and healthy.
- Adopt a healthy diet – Your dietary choices influence the health of your body and have a specific impact on each organ, including the pancreas. To help prevent pancreatic cancer, consider the following:
- Choose healthy fats – Omega-3 fatty acids combat inflammation in the body, which can lessen the risk of developing cancer in the pancreas. This healthy fat can be taken from mackerel, salmon, and sardines. Other sources of healthy fats are avocado, nuts, and olive oil.
- Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, that help minimise oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. These are two factors that can lead to cancer development. Be sure to load up on brightly coloured fruits and vegetables like berries, carrots, and tomatoes as well as green leafy veggies, such as kale and spinach to boost pancreatic health.
- Cut down on processed and red meats – Processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, and sausages, as well as red meats can contribute to increasing your risk of developing pancreatic cancer. These types of food contain preservatives and have high saturated fats, which are carriers of carcinogen and can cause inflammation. For healthier meals, go for lean proteins such as beans, legumes, fish, and poultry.
- Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation – Drinking too much alcohol can cause damage to the pancreas and lead to pancreatitis, which can eventually develop pancreatic cancer. Limit your alcohol intake to two drinks per day for men or one drink per day for women to reduce your risk of getting pancreatic cancer.
- Increase fibre intake – Fibre is very important for digestion and promotes proper pancreatic function. Make the conscious choice to add fruit, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains into your everyday meals to lower your risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Consuming a lot of fiber also prevents obesity and keeps your blood sugar under control.
- Keep your weight healthy – A major risk for pancreatic cancer is being overweight or obese. Abdominal fat is linked with insulin resistance as well as increased inflammation, which are critical factors in cancer development. To keep a healthy weight, develop a habit of exercising regularly to place your blood sugar levels under control and lessen the risk of type 2 diabetes, which is associated with pancreatic cancer. The ideal body mass index (BMI) to achieve is between 18.5 and 24.9.
- Manage your level of insulin and blood sugar – As mentioned, type 2 diabetes is one risk factor that can contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer. This may be due to the constant inflammation as a result of insulin resistance and high levels of sugar in the blood, which can cause damage to the cells in the pancreas for a period of time. Managing your level of insulin and blood sugar can be done by doing regular exercise, eating low-glycemic foods, and going for regular medical check-ups.
- Quit smoking – Pancreatic cancer can be prevented by avoiding or quitting smoking. One research found out that people who smoke are more likely to develop cancer in the pancreas 2 to 3 times more than those who do not smoke. The risk of developing cancer is believed to be caused by cigarette toxins that cause inflammation and damage to the cells in the pancreas.
- Treat pancreatitis – Chronic inflammation in the pancreas can fall to cancer. This is usually due to over consumption of alcohol, genetic factors, or presence of gallstones. If you suspect that you have chronic pancreatitis, it is imperative to get medical treatment in order to prevent cancer. In addition, quitting alcohol consumption can significantly contribute to reducing inflammation and chances of exacerbating your condition.
- Undergo cancer screening and genetic testing – Genes can also play a role in developing pancreatic cancer, although there are only few known cases that are related to inheriting the disease. Despite this, it is important to be proactive and undergo cancer screening for your pancreas and having your genes tested early if you are aware that you have pancreatic cancer in your family history.
- Stay hydrated – Keeping your body well hydrated every day improves the function of your pancreas. This also helps in keeping the digestive process going smoothly and lessens the strain in the pancreas.
Treatment options for pancreas cancer in Singapore
There are various treatment options for pancreas cancer in Singapore:
- Chemotherapy – This type of treatment may be recommended particularly for patients who have stage 4 pancreatic cancer. It can also be used as a step before surgery as it can help shrink the size of a tumour.
- Radiation Therapy – This treatment makes use of high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. This can be used in combination with chemotherapy or as an alternate option for patients who are not qualified to undergo surgery.
- Surgery – Surgical intervention remains the gold standard for pancreatic cancer. This involves removing the whole pancreas to eliminate the disease. Unfortunately, surgery is not possible once the cancer has spread to the other organs.
- Targeted Therapy – This treatment uses drugs that contain proteins that target and control the production and spread of cancer cells.
Which type of treatment is ideal for you depends on certain factors, such as age, your health condition, the location of the tumour in the pancreas, and the severity of cancer. Find out more about each type of treatment by booking a consultation at Lee Surgery & Endoscopy.
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Dr Lee Chin Li – Lee Surgery and Endoscopy | Colorectal Surgery | Gallbladder Surgery Singapore
Gleneagles Medical Centre
Lee Surgery and Endoscopy
6 Napier Road, #04-16, Singapore 258499
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard)
Dr Lee @ KYM Surgery3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-01, Singapore 228510
Farrer Park Medical Centre
Dr Lee @ KYM Surgery1 Farrer Park Station Road, #13-05, Singapore 217562
+65 8952 6327
