Pankaj Udhas, the renowned ghazal singer, passed away at the age of 72 on Monday due to pancreatic cancer. Anup Jalota, a bhajan singer and a friend of Pankaj Udhas, stated that the singer had been battling this serious illness for several months.
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the pancreas. The pancreas, located behind the stomach and near the small intestine, is a long gland that assists in digestion by producing enzymes (exocrine function) and also regulates endocrine hormones. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers, affecting around 400,000 Indians annually. It occurs when there is abnormal growth in the cells of the pancreas. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may not be noticeable until the disease reaches an advanced stage, making detection and treatment challenging.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer:
Abdominal pain that may progress to back pain
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Changes in stool color
Dark urine
Itching
Difficulty controlling or developing diabetes
Pain and swelling in the legs and abdomen due to blood clots
Fatigue and weakness
Causes of Pancreatic Cancer:
Smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and excessive consumption of processed foods can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Doctors state that while the exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not yet known, factors such as smoking, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, and obesity can elevate the risk. Having a family member with pancreatic cancer also increases the risk.
Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer:
Doctors diagnose pancreatic cancer by examining the patient's symptoms and medical history. The patient may undergo CT scans and blood tests. Two specific tests used to diagnose pancreatic cancer are endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).
Prevention of Pancreatic Cancer:
Quit smoking or significantly reduce smoking.
Limit alcohol consumption, as excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. Gradually reduce alcohol consumption.
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. Engage in regular exercise and yoga, and consume a balanced diet.
Avoid red meat, processed foods, and fried foods. Instead, opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
In conclusion, pancreatic cancer is a severe disease with challenging symptoms and diagnosis. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle and avoiding risk factors can help reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
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