[F]ight Pancreatic Cancer
Tomorrow, November 16th, is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day.
There are several globally known individuals [Sharon Jones, Dizzy Gillepsie, Patrick Swayze, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and more] that have died due to complications of pancreatic cancer. You may know a few of your own within your family and friends that have unfortunately experienced the rarest yet deadliest form of cancer. I’ve personally experienced a close death related to pancreatic cancer, and it was a very devastating experience to watch somebody you love wither away so quickly.
So what is the role of the pancreas, and why is pancreatic cancer so harsh on the body? The pancreas is an organ (also considered a gland) that lives posterior to the stomach. It upholds two [2] roles in the body: to produce enzymes that facilitate digestion [exocrine function] and to release hormones into the bloodstream [endocrine function]. Without these functions happening properly, the body begins to work against itself as glucose [sugar] levels get dangerously high. This occurs if the pancreas fails to release insulin to keep sugar levels maintained because it is not absorbing glucose from food adequately. While it is possible to live without a pancreas, medicines are required to do the work in its absence.
According to American Cancer Society, here are some Pancreatic Cancer facts:
More than 90% of pancreatic cancer cases are pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). These tumors develop in the exocrine tissue of the pancreas, which makes digestive enzymes.
The less common pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), develop in hormone-producing endocrine cells, or islet cells. Neuroendocrine tumors often have a better prognosis and younger median age of diagnosis.
Aretha Franklin and Steve Jobs both died of complications of pancreatic NETs.
Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. It is currently the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States after lung and colon.
In 2023 an estimated 64,050 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S., and more than 50,550 will die from the disease.
For all stages combined, the 5-year relative survival rate is 12%.
Complementary therapies for pancreatic cancer includes massage therapy; however, when dealing with cancer, it is best to seek out a massage therapist that specializes in oncology massage. These therapists are more acclimated to being of service to individuals currently (and formerly) fighting cancer. They tend to offer a more individualized approach to therapy and are more apt to becoming part of the individual’s Care Team to provide holistic treatment.
At this time, Organic Bdywrk & Myotherapy does not currently specialize in Oncology Massage; however, we could help you source an Oncology Massage Therapist, if you need assistance finding a therapist.
