just under 7,000 canadians were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year,
according to the canadian cancer society, with roughly 5,700 patients succumbing to the disease. while patient prognosis can vary depending on how early the cancer is detected, the five-year net survival rate for pancreatic cancer is just 10 per cent in canada.
to arrive at their findings, researchers studied data from the national program of cancer registries, a database containing information on almost two-thirds of the u.s. population, for patients who were diagnosed with the deadly disease between 2001 and 2018. they found that while the prognosis for the disease may be improving, so too is its prevalence.
“while we’re reporting improving survival in pancreatic cancer each year, that improvement is largely among men,” gaddam said. “the mortality rate among women is not improving.”
the team suspects rising rates of the disease may have something to do with the type and location of tumours produced. they found that the prevalence of pancreatic head adenocarcinoma, a particularly aggressive form of tumour that forms at the head of the pancreas, appears to be on the rise.
and while they hope their findings prompt further research, the team stressed that, at this point, there is no need to be alarmed. “the data shows us a small increase in risk of pancreatic cancer,” gaddam said. “and that awareness might refocus people on the need to stop smoking, reduce alcohol use, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and manage their weight. these lifestyle changes all help decrease the risk of pancreatic cancer.”
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