Gastroenterologists warn of an increase in pancreatic cancer in Portugal.

The Portuguese Pancreas Club (CPP), a specialized section of the Portuguese Society of Gastroenterology (SPG), is promoting a national awareness campaign about pancreatic cancer , one of the most lethal and silent oncological diseases.

Under the motto "The time to act is now," the initiative takes place on social media and is part of the World Pancreatic Cancer Day celebrations, which are held on November 20th, with the aim of raising public awareness of the importance of prevention and early detection of this disease.

According to Alexandra Fernandes, a gastroenterologist and president of the CPP (Portuguese Pancreatic Council), the incidence and mortality associated with pancreatic cancer continue to increase, unlike what happens with other types of tumors.

"It is already the fourth leading cause of cancer death in Europe, and projections indicate that it could rise to second place by 2035," warns the expert.

The doctor also points out that in 2021, 1,378 new cases were diagnosed in the country, with a virtually identical number of deaths, which, she emphasizes, "illustrates the aggressiveness of the disease."

Symptoms are often late and nonspecific, making early diagnosis difficult. Warning signs include abdominal pain radiating to the back, unexplained weight loss, indigestion, vomiting or diarrhea, sudden changes in diabetes, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

“Hope lies in prevention, through the control of risk factors, and in the continuous advances in research,” reinforces Alexandra Fernandes, emphasizing that 80% of cases are detected in advanced stages, when surgery, the only treatment with curative potential, is no longer possible.

Currently, the overall five-year survival rate is 13%, which can reach 44% in localized cases, but drops to just 3% when the disease has metastasized.

Pancreatic cancer occurs when the cells of this abdominal gland grow uncontrollably. The most common form, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, accounts for more than 90% of cases and is characterized by its high aggressiveness.

Although age and genetic predisposition cannot be altered, there are lifestyle-related risk factors that can be prevented, such as: smoking; obesity and excess weight; diabetes; a diet high in refined sugars, fats, red meat and processed foods; and chronic pancreatitis.

More information about pancreatic cancer is available on the Digestive Health portal: https://saudedigestiva.pt/ .