Steve Jobs helps bring recognition to Pancreatic Cancer

Last year the world mourned the loss of the technological genius Steve Jobs. His life was cut short by pancreatic cancer. He actually outlived many people who have gotten that grim diagnosis. He was told the bad news in 2003.

Only four percent of people live beyond five years after being diagnosed. The reason it is so deadly is because it is nearly impossible to detect early. Therefore, once a person experiences symptoms, the cancer has spread to vital organs, such as the liver.

Studies show that certain lifestyle choices can greatly influence whether you will get pancreatic cancer. Since the long-term prognosis is so bleak, it makes sense to focus on prevention, keeping in mind that some people who live a healthy lifestyle still get cancer.

Smoking is the chief risk factor. Smokers are almost twice as likely to get pancreatic cancer than non-smokers. But remember, if you quit smoking, the longer you are tobacco-free, your risk of getting the disease is reduced. So if you smoke, quit! See your doctor about the smoking-cessation drug Chantix. It is highly effective, but is not suited for everyone.

Obesity is a key risk factor, so if you are overweight, this is now greater motivation to shed those extra pounds.

Similarly, a poor diet is also a risk factor. These would include diets that are high in sugar, processed foods, trans fats, and red meat. Poor diets are usually lacking enough fresh vegetables, water, fresh fruits, and whole grains.

Lack of exercise has also been a proven risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Keep in mind that every little bit helps. Even an hour and a half a week of walking has been shown to decrease your risk factor for cancer. So if you are out of shape, just start walking a little bit and gradually increase your speed, duration, and frequency. Then you can graduate to more vigorous cardiovascular exercise.

Genetics plays a role, too. About 8 percent of pancreatic cancer patients have someone in their family who had the disease, and your risk increases with every family member who had it.

And speaking of genetics, Jewish Ashkenazi decent is a risk factor. Those are people with a Central or Eastern European background.

Diabetes can be not only a risk factor, but an early sign of the disease.

Gingivitis or periodontal disease is another red flag. So brush and floss daily and keep up with those regular dental check-ups.

So while cancer isn't completely preventable, there are certainly many things that we can control that will lessen the chances of us getting it.

http://blogs.cbn.com/healthyliving/archive/2011/11/08/steve-jobs-death-shines-light-on-pancreatic-cancer.aspx