Scientists stumble on an intriguing reason more young people are getting killer pancreatic cancer - but fewer are dying from it

A new US study suggests a surprising reason for a paradox that has puzzled experts, with pancreatic cancer on the rise in young people, why hasn't there been a spike in deaths from the disease?

Source: Cubes | 

04.12.2024, 16:26

Cubes

Pancreatic cancer cases in young adults have soared in recent years but, to the confusion of scientists, deaths from the disease haven't spiked. 

Now a team of experts from the US may have uncovered a possible reason why. 

Pancreatic cancer is considered one of the deadliest forms of the disease.  

Less than one in 20 pancreatic cancer patients live to see the decade after their diagnosis, according to UK figures. 

Experts have therefore expected to see a significant rise in pancreatic deaths in the under 50s — to match the 2 to 8 per cent jump in diagnoses over the last 18 years. 

Now, experts believe this hasn't happened because of the specific type of pancreatic cancer affecting young people, which is easier to spot and treat at earlier stages.

Pancreatic cancer is an umbrella term for various tumours found on the 25cm tadpole shaped organ that helps with both digestion and hormones regulation.

One type, adenocarcinoma, is the most common, accounting for 90 per cent of cases. 

Becki Buggs was 43 when she received a devastating pancreatic diagnosis with nurse motivated to get tests after her husband commented she looked like 'a Minion', which was later revealed to be jaundice. Here Becki is pictured with her two children Jacob and Georgie who were 9 and eight-years-old at the time respectively

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