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Pancreatic Cancer

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Pancreatic cancer develops in the tissues of your pancreas. The pancreas is an organ located high in your abdomen and that lies horizontally behind your stomach. It is a gland that secretes enzymes which help the digestive process and hormones which regulate the metabolism of sugars.

Pancreatic cancer is most common in people who are older (between the ages of 50 and 80) and it is uncommon amongst people aging below 40. There are certain risk factors that have been identified for the disease. These include smoking, age, obesity, and having a history of other medical illnesses (such as diabetes or chronic pancreatitis).

Pancreatic cancer has the tendency to spread quickly, and is often undetected in its early stages. This is because the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer may not become visible until after the cancer has become quite advanced.

When to seek expert advise

If you have any of the above symptoms and are worried, you should seek medical attention from the doctors at the Department of Oncology​​ at the Aga Khan University Hospital. They may recommend you to another specialist for further assessment, such as an oncologist or a gastroenterologist. 

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Disclaimer

The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.