Pancreatic cancer: UNeat disease, but not unpredictable
It is not the most common cancer, but it is one of the most feared. THE pancreatic cancer remains to this day one of the most difficult to diagnose earlywith a 5 -year survival rate less than 12 % According to the National Cancer Institute. In question: discreet or late symptomsa deep location in the abdomen, and Risk factors little identified by the general public.
However, we know today that some signals can alert earlier. And that age plays an important role in the targeted screeningthe prevention and theIndividual risk assessment. So when should we really start to worry about it? Experts have refined their recommendations, taking into account the most recent data.
What the figures say: an average age, but notable differences
According to the latest statistics published by Public Health France, the average age at the time of the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is 71 years old in humans et 75 years old in women. It is therefore clearly a pathology Linked to age advancementwith an incidence that Increases sharply after 60 years.
But this figure masks more nuanced realities. Between 7 and 10 % of cases occur before 50 years, especially in people with Particular genetic terrain or Direct family history. And some profiles are now considered “at high risk” from 45 ans by oncologists.
L’European Study Group on Pancreatic Cancer also recommends a Increased surveillance from 40-45 years in people with two family members affectedor with mutations such as BRCA2, PALB2 ou ATM.
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Experts recommend targeted pancreatic surveillance from 45 years old in people at risk.
From the age of 45: profiles to be closer close to
Here are the situations where special attention to the pancreas is recommended from 45sometimes earlier:
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Presence of pancreatic cancer in a first degree parent (father, mother, brother, sister)
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Known genetic mutation : BRCA1/2, STK11, CDKN2A, PRSS1, etc.
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Historical pancreatitis history (linked or not to alcohol or tobacco)
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Recent and unexplained type 2 diabetes in an adult over 50 years
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Old or active smokingcombined with a very transformed diet
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Persistent abdominal obesityespecially in humans after 50 years
These factors do not systematically trigger cancer, but They justify an early discussion with his attending physicianin particular to consider Imaging surveillanceor experimental blood tests As part of clinical trials.
Pancreatic cancer: what can be done from 40 years old (even without risk factor)
Far from the idea that it would be impossible to prevent this type of cancer, research insists today on Modifiable levers not to be overlooked:
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Quit smokingor never start: tobacco doubles the risk of pancreatic cancer
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Reduce the consumption of ultra-transformed foods and red meats
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Limit excess alcoholespecially if they are chronic
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Monitor your weightespecially the waist
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Have a Mal balanced type 2 diabetes checkedeven if it seems old
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Take persistent abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss seriously
Finally, it is essential to Do not trivialize certain chronic digestive symptoms After 50 years: persistent bloating, discolored stools, jaundice, unexplained fatigue … In rare cases, they can be the only early signals of pancreatic cancer.
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Pancreas cancer is often diagnosed after 70 years, but some profiles are affected much earlier.
