A recent study has revealed an alarming trend in the rate of pancreatic cancer among women, particularly those who are under 55 and Black. The rate of pancreatic cancer among young women is rising 2.4% higher than men of the same age and 2% higher than young Black men. According to senior study author Dr. Srinivas Gaddam, associate director of Pancreatic Biliary Research at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, this increase in risk is small but calls attention to the need for further research in this area.
Pancreatic cancer has the highest death rate of all major cancers and is more common among men than women. Common signs of pancreatic cancer include unexplained weight loss, jaundice, and chronic abdominal pain. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, Jeopardy's Alex Trebek, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and actor Patrick Swayze all died from pancreatic cancer.
The research, which used data from the National Program of Cancer Registries database, also revealed that rates of pancreatic head adenocarcinoma, an especially aggressive and deadly type of tumor located at the head of the pancreas, appear to be increasing. Dr. Gaddam believes that future studies on the causes of these trends are necessary to understand and take action against the increasing rates of pancreatic cancer in women.
Dr. Dan Theodorescu, director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer, also believes that understanding the causes of these trends and the differences between pancreatic tumors in women and men is a priority. He hopes that the findings of the study will inform public health policies to benefit patients everywhere.
The study was published in the journal Gastroenterology. While the increase in risk is small, it is an important reminder of the need to take preventative action, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol use, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. People experiencing unexplained weight loss, jaundice, or chronic abdominal pain should seek medical attention.