Written by Shaundrie Jones
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"Cancer is a word, not a sentence." ~John Diamond
NOVEMBER: National Lung and Pancreatic Cancer Awarness Month
Pancreatic Cancer
Causes of Pancreatic CancerAccording to WebMD, "Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach and in front of the spine. The pancreas produces digestive juices and hormones that regulate blood sugar. Cells called exocrine pancreas cells produce the digestive juices, while cells called endocrine pancreas cells produce the hormones." This organ is also the sight of diabetes, which is known to plague the African American community at an ALARMING RATE!
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Symptoms of Pancreatic CancerThe American Cancer Society reports that only about 23% of patients with cancer of the pancreas are still living one year after diagnosis. Only about 4% are still living five years after being diagnosed. Which ensures me that early detection is the key to survival. Being aware of changes within your body, eating healthy, exercising and seeing a physician regularly is ESSENTIAL for good health.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
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Treatments of Pancreatic CancerPancreatic cancer is diagnosed by physical examinations and other special exams like CT scans, MRIs, and biopsies. Some of these tests can be pretty invasive. There are various treatments for pancreatic cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy For more information on pancreatic cancer please visit www.curepc.org.
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Sources: WEBMD
Tashkin, Donald P., M.D. "Effects of Marijuana on the Lung and Its Immune Defenses."UKCIA. N.p., Mar. 1997. Web. Nov. 2012.
Tashkin, Donald P., M.D. "Effects of Marijuana on the Lung and Its Immune Defenses."UKCIA. N.p., Mar. 1997. Web. Nov. 2012.