General knowledge about pancreatic cancer In recent years, the incidence and mortality rate of pancreatic cancer are increasing, and it is known as the “king of cancer”. Many stars have been struck down by pancreatic cancer, such as the famous movie star Shen Tianxia, tenor singer Pavarotti and Steve Jobs, the father of Apple. The pancreas is the second largest gland in the body, measuring 17 to 20 cm in length and weighing 82 to 117 grams. The pancreas is on the left side of the epigastrium, in front of the first and second lumbar vertebrae, in the posterior part of the abdominal cavity and behind the stomach. Although the pancreas is small, it has important functions and can be described as a four-way street. The main functions of the pancreas are: first, to neutralize stomach acid; second, to secrete digestive enzymes to break down nutrients in food and help digestion; and third, to secrete insulin and glucagon to regulate the balance of blood sugar. Early symptoms of pancreatic cancer: of patients with pancreatic cancer occurring in the head of the pancreas, often causing biliary obstruction, the first symptom is often jaundice without obvious abdominal pain. The main manifestations are yellow staining of the sclera and skin, deepening of the color of urine, such as strong tea, and lightening of the color of stool, such as grayish white, sometimes accompanied by itching of the skin. If the cancer grows in the body or tail of the pancreas, the main symptom is feeling uncomfortable in the stomach and stomach pain without jaundice. Another common manifestation of pancreatic cancer is epigastric fullness, which means feeling bloated, having eaten something that is not easily digested, and eating less. There will be a significant weight loss in the short term. What tests can be used to diagnose pancreatic cancer? Ultrasound examination during routine physical examination can detect obvious occupying pancreatic lesions. Tumor marker laboratory tests, enhanced CT or MRI of the upper abdomen, ultrasound endoscopy and PET-CT. Is pancreatic cancer related to obesity? Obesity is actually a metabolic disorder in the body, and obesity increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. It is recommended that fat people lose weight and keep it in the ideal range. It can be measured by body mass index, BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m) squared, generally 18.5 to 25 is the normal range, higher than 25 is obese. Dietary recommendations to prevent pancreatic cancer: Eat more fruits, foods rich in fiber and vitamins, such as oranges, apples, lemons, which are high in vitamin C and can play an antioxidant and anti-cancer role. Fish oil, fish scales, and deep-sea fish are rich in fatty acids, which can well adjust the balance of fatty acids in the diet. Some bad eating habits often contribute to the occurrence of pancreatic cancer, such as overeating, intake of high sugar and high calorie foods, frequent consumption of animal offal, burnt and fried foods, alcoholism and heavy smoking.