Pankreas-Karzinom: Das sind Warnzeichen für Bauchspeicheldrüsenkrebs

Pancreatic cancer, also known as pancreatic carcinoma, is a severe and aggressive form of cancer. If diagnosed, patients face a grim prognosis - only 11 percent of those diagnosed five years ago are still alive. This low survival rate is due to the cancer often presenting no symptoms until it has progressed and spread to other areas of the body.

According to Prof. Jens Werner, president of the German Society for Surgery, approximately 50 percent of pancreatic cancer patients are still diagnosed only after metastases have formed, making cure impossible.

Early detection is crucial. Some potential warning signs include persistent upper abdominal and back pain, unexplained weight loss, nausea and diarrhea, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and a new onset of Type 2 diabetes, especially in slender individuals. While not all these symptoms necessarily indicate cancer, it is essential to seek medical evaluation if they persist without clear cause, particularly if they last two to four weeks.

For suspected pancreatic cancer, prompt referral to a specialized center, typically attached to a university hospital, is recommended.

Unlike breast or colorectal cancer, there is no universal screening for pancreatic cancer. However, for those with a family history of the disease, some preventive tests may be covered by health insurance. This includes MRI scans or combinations of ultrasound and endoscopy. Such tests are recommended when at least two first-degree relatives have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Again, consulting a pancreatic cancer center is the best course of action.