The pancreas is a small organ located inside the abdomen and behind the stomach. It helps to digest food by creating juices known as enzymes. The main function of these enzymes is to break down food elements, such as fats, sugars, and starches. The pancreas also releases hormones - particularly insulin, which is important for regulating the amount of glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream.
Pancreatic cancer develops when cells in the pancreas begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can develop into solid tumours or tissue masses and eventually spread to other areas of the body.
There are two major types of pancreatic cancer:
1. Exocrine Pancreatic Cancer
More than 95% of all pancreatic cancers develop from cells in the exocrine gland and pancreatic ducts. The function of the exocrine gland is to create enzymes for digestion.
Exocrine pancreatic cancer is further classified into the following types:
2. Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Cancer
Develops when pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are formed inside the endocrine gland. This type of pancreatic cancer is rare, accounting for less than 5% of cases worldwide.
One of the major reasons pancreatic cancer remains undiagnosed in the early stages is because its symptoms are difficult to recognise and easy to overlook.
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be vague, and so an accurate medical diagnosis is often delayed. See your GP or whānau doctor for a thorough checkup, particularly if the following symptoms persist for more than two weeks:
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer in women and men are similar. However, as pancreatic tumours grow, the abdomen can distend. This cancer of the pancreas symptom is one that women often notice first.
If your doctor suspects that you have pancreatic cancer, he might suggest the following tests:
Once a diagnosis has been made, your cancer will be classified according to its size and spread. This is known as staging. Doctors also use this information to guide the treatment process.
Pancreatic cancer patients are grouped into one of the following three categories:
Certain risk factors heighten your chance of developing pancreatic cancer. Bear in mind that even if you identify with the following factors, you won’t necessarily experience the disease.
Common risk factors include:
Depending on your age, health status, and the stage of your cancer, the doctor will suggest one or more of the following treatment options:
The decision for surgery is usually influenced by the location of the cancer and its stage. Surgery involves removing all (pancreatectomy) or some parts of the pancreas.
Surgery does not necessarily cure cancer, especially if it has spread to other organs. Surgery only removes the original tumour, which is why it’s not advised for patients with advanced-stage cancer.
Involves the removal of some parts of the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, lymph nodes, and gallbladder. The Whipple procedure is utilised when pancreatic cancer is limited to the head of the pancreas.
Eliminates cancerous tumours using drugs that can, in some cases, prevent further growth of cancerous cells in the organ. Your doctor might recommend chemotherapy in combination with other treatments.
X-rays and/or other powerful energy beams are used to kill cancerous cells. Radiation therapy is usually recommended when cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Often used with other treatment options, like chemotherapy, immunotherapy drugs trigger the body’s own defences to fight cancer, either by boosting the immune system or making the cancer cells more obvious targets.
Specifically targets cancerous cells (without affecting normal cells) via drugs, other medical options, or a combination of both.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the least common forms of cancer in New Zealand. However, according to a 2019 study, deaths from this disease will become the second or third most frequent cause of cancer mortality in this country. Reasons for this include:
The New Zealand public health system follows a ‘62-day model’ to measure and record treatment for cancer patients. This means patients diagnosed with any type of cancer should ideally receive their first treatment within 62 days. During this period, various tests are performed and treatment options are discussed with health experts.
Wait times for treatment vary from one region to another. Since pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed in its later stages, a lengthy wait time at a public hospital can create further health problems for the patient and affect their chance of a positive health outcome.
You may not have pancreatic cancer, but that’s no guarantee it won’t happen to you or someone you love. Think about how health insurance can cover you for the possibility.
And not all health insurance plans are the same. Some plans only pay for a tiny fraction of your treatment expenses.
Don’t let this happen to you. When buying health insurance, talk to a Policywise adviser about maximum benefit amounts for cancer treatments, non-Pharmac cover, inclusions, and any exclusions.
We provide clear, easy-to-understand plan comparisons from different insurers so you can choose the policy with the best cover. Our service is free - and it might just change your life for the better.