On
the occasion of World Pancreatic Cancer Day, a reporter from ifeng.com
conducted an exclusive interview with Professor Zhou Kailun, a renowned
hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon in Hainan and the director of the Hepatobiliary
and Pancreatic Surgery Department at Hainan Cancer Hospital, to conduct an
in-depth popular science discussion on pancreatic cancer, known as the
"king of cancers".
Director Zhou Kailun provided a detailed interpretation of the causes of its severity and the incidence trends both domestically and internationally, and offered practical advice on risk avoidance and early screening to the public.
Where does the title of "Cancer King" come from?
The main reasons are high mortality rate and low surgical rate
Director Zhou Kailun first explained the origin of the title "king of cancers" for pancreatic cancer. He pointed out that although pancreatic cancer ranks tenth in terms of cancer incidence rate, its mortality rate ranks between fourth and sixth. "This means that its incidence rate is not the highest, but its mortality rate is very high, indicating its severity."
Exploring the underlying reasons, Director Zhou revealed a crucial statistic: "About 70% to 80% of pancreatic cancer patients are already inoperable at the time of diagnosis." Due to the subtle early symptoms of pancreatic cancer, most patients find themselves in the middle or late stages upon diagnosis, missing the opportunity for curative surgery. Currently, for patients who are inoperable, other treatment options are limited and ineffective, leading to rapid disease progression. Most patients may die within a few months, which is the core reason why it is known as the "king of cancers".
The incidence of the disease shows a regional and younger age trend
The incidence rate in Hainan is at the national average level
Regarding the incidence of pancreatic cancer in China and Hainan, Dr. Zhou Kailun stated that the occurrence of pancreatic cancer exhibits a certain degree of geographical concentration, predominantly occurring in economically developed regions and areas with an aging population. "In economically developed central cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, the Pearl River Delta, and the Yangtze River Delta, the incidence rate is relatively high."
Regarding the Hainan region, Dr. Zhou explained that its incidence rate is roughly at the national average, which is about 4 per 100,000 people. He particularly pointed out that in recent years, the incidence of pancreatic cancer has shown a noticeable trend of younger patients. "In the past, the median age of onset was around 70 years old, but in the past decade, the incidence rate among people in their thirties and forties has increased rapidly, with statistics showing an increase of up to about 38%. This is closely related to the country's economic development and changes in lifestyle."
High-risk factors are clear
Be vigilant for early signals
Director Zhou listed several clear high-risk factors: smoking, obesity, hyperlipidemia, frequent consumption of processed meat, and high-calorie diets. In addition, diabetes is closely related to pancreatic cancer, with about 30%-40% of pancreatic cancer patients also suffering from diabetes. "Whether diabetes is a 'cause' or a 'consequence', it is a high-risk signal. Especially for middle-aged people who suddenly develop diabetes without a family history, they should be vigilant." Genetic factors and a family history of pancreatic cancer are also important risk points, with about 10% of patients being related to family inheritance.
Regarding early symptoms, Director Zhou emphasized that as a retroperitoneal organ, the pancreas presents highly atypical early symptoms, which are easily overlooked. The public should be alert to the following physical signals:
The first is discomfort in the upper abdomen: the most common early symptom, which manifests as dull pain or bloating, and is often mistaken for stomach problems.
Second, jaundice: the color of urine deepens and turns yellow, and even the sclera (white of the eye) turns yellow.
Third, digestive system symptoms: such as abdominal distension, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, constipation, etc.
Fourth, weight loss and fatigue: unexplained weight loss and decreased physical strength.
The fifth is new-onset diabetes: a sudden increase in blood sugar levels after middle age.
Prevention and screening
Change lifestyle, and high-risk groups should undergo regular check-ups
How to reduce the risk of disease? Director Zhou Kailun's advice is direct and pertinent: "Quitting smoking, controlling weight, improving dietary habits (reducing intake of high-fat and processed foods), and maintaining a regular lifestyle. All of these can effectively reduce the risk of various diseases, including pancreatic cancer."
For high-risk individuals with a family history, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, etc., Director Zhou Kailun recommends regular early screening.
Annual abdominal ultrasound and hematological examinations should be conducted, and the physical examination should include blood glucose monitoring as well as tumor marker tests, such as CA19-9, CA125, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). If abnormalities are found in the aforementioned tests, further CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations are necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
Director Zhou Kailun emphasized the importance of early detection with data: "The five-year survival rate for early pancreatic cancer can reach 30%-40%, while it is difficult to exceed 10% for advanced cases. The overall five-year survival rate for all patients is only about 10%. Therefore, early screening is crucial for improving prognosis and defeating the 'king of cancers'."
Expert Introduction
Zhou Kailun
Director of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery (Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer Center)
Chief Physician
professor
Medical expertise
Skilled in the diagnosis, surgery, and comprehensive treatment of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery as well as general surgery diseases.
Clinic Hours
Monday morning
The Article is reprinted from ifeng.com Hainan