The pancreas is located right behind the stomach. It helps in digestion and blood sugar regulation.
It achieves these functions by producing enzymes that help break down food and hormones like insulin to control blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer is an illness that begins in the tissues of the pancreas.
It occurs when cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably to form a tumor. This disease can affect either the exocrine or endocrine functions of the pancreas.
Exocrine tumors are the most common type. One of the reasons this cancer is so dangerous and swift pancreas cancer treatment in Singapore is recommended upon diagnosis is this disease’s ability to spread quickly to nearby organs.
It can actually spread way before any symptoms appear. On this page, we will discuss what works for pancreatic cancer but first;
How Long Can People Live With Pancreatic Cancer?
Receiving the news of having pancreatic cancer can be shocking. One of the questions that may instantly come to mind is; how long can people live with pancreatic cancer?
Now, the survival rate for pancreatic cancer depends on several factors, including the stage at which it is diagnosed, your overall health, and the type of treatment you receive. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates among cancers due to its aggressive nature and late detection. Here’s a quick summary of how long people can live with pancreas cancer depending on the stage of diagnosis;
- Localized (Cancer confined to the pancreas): About 55% of people survive for 1 year or more after diagnosis, and approximately 25% survive for 3 years or more.
- Regional (Cancer spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes): Around 50% survive for 1 year or more, with only 15% surviving for 3 years or more.
- Distant (Cancer spread to other parts of the body): Approximately 10% survive for 1 year or more, and only 1% survive for 3 years or more.
The type of treatment also affects life expectancy. For instance, surgical removal of the tumor (if possible) can significantly improve survival rates.
Chemotherapy and radiation may also extend life and improve its quality, but they are less effective than surgery for long-term survival. As you’d expect, age, overall health, and response to treatment all influence how long someone can live with pancreatic cancer.
People who maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, and manage stress tend to have better outcomes. While the statistics can be discouraging, advancements in pancreatic cancer treatment in Singapore and early detection are improving survival rates over time.
And is Cancer of the Pancreas Curable?
Many cancers can be effectively managed when detected early. So if you’re considering pancreatic cancer treatment in Singapore if yours was detected early, it is understandable if the question on your mind right now is this one; is cancer of pancreas curable?
Now, let’s just say it; curing pancreatic cancer is a challenge. The good news is that there are several treatment options you could use to control the disease and improve your quality of life. Surgery remains the only method to potentially cure pancreatic cancer.
However, not all patients are good candidates for surgery of the pancreas to cure this disease. Here are the primary treatment options if you’re diagnosed with pancreas cancer;
- Surgery
Surgery offers the only chance for a cure. However, it is only suitable for about 20% of patients, as most cases are diagnosed when the cancer has already spread. Surgical procedures include:
- Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy): This is the most common surgery for pancreatic cancer. It involves removing the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, the gallbladder, and portions of the stomach.
- Distal Pancreatectomy: This surgery removes the tail and sometimes part of the body of the pancreas.
- Total Pancreatectomy: The entire pancreas is removed, along with other nearby organs. This is rare and only done in specific cases.
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. If you’re recommended chemotherapy for pancreas cancer treatment in Singapore, it may be used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy.
Common chemotherapy drugs for pancreatic cancer include gemcitabine and FOLFIRINOX. While chemotherapy cannot cure pancreatic cancer, it can prolong life and reduce symptoms.
- Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It may be used before surgery to shrink tumors.
After surgery, radiation therapy can still be used but in this case, it will be targeted at eliminating any remaining cancer cells. Radiation is also used to relieve pain in advanced cases.
- Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth. This treatment is less common in Singapore.
However, it may be an option for certain types of pancreatic cancer with specific genetic mutations. Drugs like erlotinib may be used in these cases.
- Immunotherapy
Another option for pancreas cancer treatment in Singapore is immunotherapy. The aim of this approach is to help the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
As of the time of writing this piece, immunotherapy is still not a standard treatment for pancreatic cancer. However, it is extensively being studied in clinical trials.
- Palliative Care
Palliative care in pancreas cancer treatment in Singapore is reserved for patients whose cancer cannot be cured. It focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.
So, it doesn’t necessarily treat pancreas cancer. It may include managing pain, addressing digestive issues, and providing emotional support.
Closing Thoughts
The major risks of pancreas cancer include tobacco use, a family history of the disease, diabetes and having chronic pancreatitis. Even though this disease comes with low chances of full recovery, your quality of life can still be greatly improved if it is detected early.
If it is left untreated, the disease will progress and may lead to serious complications and eventually death. That said, please seek immediate medical care if you have been diagnosed with pancreas cancer.
You will also want to maintain close contact with your doctor if you live with any risks of pancreas cancer. To learn more about pancreas cancer treatment in Singapore and see what can work for your unique condition, please call or visit us today to schedule a consultation. See details below;
Dr Lee Chin Li – Lee Surgery and Endoscopy | Colorectal Surgery | Gallbladder Surgery Singapore
6 Napier Rd, #04-16 Gleneagles Medical Centre,
Singapore 258499
