Patrick Swayze was an extraordinary actor. He died much too soon.

Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably, often starting in the ducts, and is hard to detect early due to vague symptoms like jaundice, abdominal/back pain, unexplained weight loss, and new-onset diabetes, with diagnosis relying on imaging, blood tests, and biopsy. Key risk factors include smoking, obesity, diabetes, and family history, with treatments involving surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, though survival rates are generally low because it's often found late.
Symptoms
Jaundice: Yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine, light stools.
Pain: In the abdomen or middle of the back.
Digestive issues: Bloating, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, loss of appetite.
Weight loss: Unexplained.
New-onset diabetes: Sudden development.
Fatigue .
Causes & Risk Factors
Smoking: About 25% of cases linked to smoking.
Obesity & Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor.
Inflammation: Chronic pancreatitis.
Genetics: Family history, certain gene mutations (BRCA2, Lynch syndrome).
Age: Most cases in people over 65.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis: Physical exam, blood tests, imaging (CT, MRI), and biopsy.
Treatment: Surgery (if possible), chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy.
Prognosis: Often poor because it spreads quickly and is diagnosed late, but some early cases are curable with surgery.
Types of Pancreatic Cancer
Exocrine: Most common, starting in ductal cells (e.g., pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma).
Neuroendocrine: Less common, arising from hormone-producing cells.