What to look for in early screening for pancreatic cancer

Early screening considerations for pancreatic cancer are risk factors for the disease, abnormal symptoms, tumor markers, and ultrasound. Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant digestive system tumor with a 5-year survival rate of about 10%. 1. Risk factors: Currently, domestic guidelines recommend that individuals with high risk of hereditary pancreatic cancer, new-onset diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cystic tumors are the four groups of people with high risk of pancreatic cancer, and early screening for pancreatic cancer is recommended. 2. Abnormal symptoms: Pancreatic cancer starts insidiously, early diagnosis is difficult, and most of the patients are already in the middle or late stage when they are diagnosed. Depending on the location and size of the tumor, affected organs and its severity, it may manifest as epigastric or back pain, nausea, abdominal distension, jaundice, new-onset diabetes mellitus, weight loss and change of stool properties, etc. Occasionally, it may be manifested mainly by acute pancreatitis. 3. Tumor markers: common tumor markers for pancreatic cancer include CA199, CEA, CA50 and so on. 4. ultrasound and other imaging examinations: mainly enhanced CT, MRI, general ultrasound and ultrasound endoscopy. If pancreatic cancer is suspected or diagnosed, it is recommended to go to regular hospitals for comprehensive assessment of the condition and follow the doctor’s instructions to avoid delaying the condition.