Pancreatic Cancer: Chronic Pancreatitis Increases Risk

Unfortunately those who suffer from long-term chronic pancreatitis also have increased risk of dying
due to pancreatic cancer. So ...

What can YOU do to lessen the risk of pancreatic cancer since you have been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis?

In order to completely understand what YOU can do to lessen your risk of pancreatic cancer you must first understand what may be the #1 initiator.

What is that initiator?

Chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation is linked to cancer, strongly linked.

In fact here is new evidence that backs up what I just said: Inflammation enhances pancreatic cancer cell progression and if this article isn't enough evidence for you here's another: Link Between Inflammation and Pancreatic Cancer Discovered

When someone is diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis what does that mean?

It means that person suffers from chronic pancreas inflammation doesn't it? Of course it does because pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. That is why long-term chronic pancreatitis is an increased risk factor for pancreatic cancer. But ...

Don't take my word for it here is more evidence that chronic pancreatitis is in fact a precursor for pancreatic cancer: Inflammation and Cancer V. Chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer

Now that you probably understand your increased risk for pancreatic cancer you may be even more inclined to do what it takes to prevent your chronic pancreatitis from escalating into pancreatic cancer but how, exactly, do you do that?

You need to stop or at least control the inflammation.

That is easier said than done for most people because ...

In order to stop the inflammation you are going to need to do things that you either don't want to do or find extremely difficult such as adhering to a completely pancreas friendly diet (a true pancreatitis diet), stop drinking and/or ingesting alcohol in any form and ...

Unfortunately there are those people who suffer from chronic pancreatitis due to underlying health conditions that are beyond their control such a cystic fibrosis, hyperlipidemia, autoimmune disease, and genetic conditions (hereditary pancreatitis). These conditions make it far more difficult to eliminate the inflammation, in the case of CF it's impossible due to the necessary CF diet. In cases of chronic pancreatitis challenged by an underlying disease or condition the most you may be able to do is to control the inflammation as much as possible.

I don't have all the answers.

There are many people who suffer with underlying conditions such as cystic fibrosis that simply won't respond to a hard core pancreatitis diet, in fact, in the case of cystic fibrosis what I do personally would probably kill a cystic fibrosis patient because the diet they have to eat in order to ward off some of the symptoms and challenges of CF is definitely NOT friendly to a damaged pancreas, but, they have no choice.

CF patients are screwed.

The rest of us have a chance, hope and a light at the end of the tunnel.

In my next post I'll address what YOU can do to lessen your risk of pancreatic cancer and of course heal your pancreas as mush as possible. Until then ...

Have a pain free day!