Pancreatic cancer is the cancer of the pancreas and it arises when cells in the pancreas begin to multiply out of control and get converted into a mass. These cancer cells can even invade to the other parts of the body and spread.
There are various types of pancreatic cancers but pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common one, accounting for 85% of the cases. Even inspite of the common occurrence of this cancer, there are many myths associated with it. The following is a list of the most common myths related to pancreatic cancer.
Myth 1: Pancreatic Cancer is Always Deadly
One of the most common myths associated with pancreatic cancer or cancer in general is that it is deadly. But the truth is that most pancreatic cancers are treatable and early detection increases the chances of successful treatment. But the only issue is that detection of this cancer may be difficult in its early stages.
Myth 2: Screening Tests for this Problem may be Readily Available
Another myth which is related to pancreatic cancer is that the screening tests for it are readily available. But on the contrary, while there are many ways to detect and screen other cancers, there is currently no screening test for pancreatic cancer. However if it is suspected, there are certain lab tests that can be used to check for tumor related allergens.
Myth 3: There is Just One Kind of Pancreatic Cancer
A lot of people think that there is only one kind of pancreatic cancer but this too is just a myth. It is true that only one kind of pancreatic cancer is the most common but there are various types of this cancer and one of them is a rare type which develops from the endocrine gland and is known as islet-cell pancreatic cancer.
Myth 4: Pancreatic Cancer Patients Who Undergo Radiation Therapy could be Harmful to Others
Another misconception that people have about pancreatic cancer is that the patient who undergoes radiation therapy could be harmful to others. The types of radiation therapy commonly given to pancreatic cancer patients do not cause the person to become radioactive and are not a health risk to the others. However it is important for people to follow safety precautions given to them by the doctor.
Myth 5: Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer can Cause it to Spread to Other Parts of the Body
There is a rooted belief in the mind of others that cancer will spread if it’s exposed to air during surgery. But there is no proof to back up this belief and the truth is that metastatic cancer occurs when cancer cells spread from the home site to other places. During surgery the doctor may find more cancer than expected but this is not because of the surgery itself.
Myth 6: This is a Hereditary Disease
Only 10% of the cases of pancreatic cancer are hereditary but the rest are caused due to other factors.
