Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Nov 26: Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging and deadly cancers worldwide, largely because it often shows no symptoms in its early stages, doctors said on Wednesday. They added that awareness, early diagnosis, and lifestyle modifications are critical to reducing the risk.
Dr Zahoor Ahmad, an oncologist, said pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas—an organ located behind the stomach that plays a vital role in digestion and blood sugar regulation.
He said most pancreatic cancers begin in the ducts of the pancreas and are known as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas.
“Because early symptoms are vague—such as mild abdominal discomfort, back pain, or unexplained weight loss—patients often get diagnosed when the disease is already advanced,” the oncologist said.
Dr Zahoor said there is no single cause, but several risk factors are strongly associated with the disease, and among them, cigarette smoking is the biggest known risk factor, responsible for 20–30% of cases, as it damages pancreatic cells and increases inflammation.
Other factors include long-term inflammation of the pancreas, often linked to alcohol consumption or gallstones, which significantly raises risk and having a family member with pancreatic cancer or certain genetic mutations (BRCA2, Lynch syndrome) can increase susceptibility, the oncologist said.
Doctors said high-fat diets, processed meats, and the lack of fruits and vegetables contribute to increased risk, while long-standing diabetes is associated with a higher likelihood of developing the cancer; besides that, risk increases sharply after the age of 50.
While breast, lung, stomach, and oesophageal cancers are more common in J&K, oncologists said that pancreatic cancer cases are gradually rising, mainly due to increasing rates of smoking among young and middle-aged people, changing dietary habits, rise in diabetes and obesity and improved diagnostic facilities leading to more detected cases
According to regional cancer registries, pancreatic cancer accounts for a small but growing percentage of all cancers diagnosed in the Union Territory.
Doctors warn that many cases in J&K continue to be diagnosed late due to the lack of public awareness.
While not all cases are preventable, experts say risk can be reduced significantly through lifestyle changes quit smoking immediately, maintain a healthy diet, more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, less red meat, fried foods, and processed meats, using olive oil instead of saturated fats, control diabetes and weight and regular medical screening if at high risk and stay physically active
Oncologists in Kashmir stress that early detection can save lives, but the disease is often discovered late. “People must not ignore persistent abdominal pain, jaundice, sudden weight loss, or changes in appetite,” they said.
