Can Pancreatic Cancer Be Prevented?

March 10, 2023

Precede Foundation

Can pancreatic cancer be prevented? There is no sure way to prevent pancreatic cancer. Some risk factors such as age, gender, race, and family history can’t be controlled. But there are things you can do that might lower your risk.

Quit smoking
Watch your diet, body weight, and physical activity
Avoid heavy alcohol use
Limit exposure to chemicals in the workplace

Pancreatic cancer early detection poses unique challenges. Our efforts focus on supporting early detection, screening, and prevention of pancreatic cancer. There is still NO known cause in most patients.

There is no standard early detection screening test available for pancreatic cancer like there is for colorectal, breast, cervical, and prostate cancers. The best thing you can do is know your risk level and be aware of changes in your body. If you are at high risk, seek help from a medical center in your area that has a pancreatic cancer program. You can find one closest to where you live by visiting https://precedestudy.org/

Who is at high risk for pancreatic cancer?

Typically, about 10% of pancreatic cancers are considered familial or hereditary. Most cases of pancreatic cancer occur randomly, or can be caused by factors such as smoking, obesity, and age.

Are there any early warning signs of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer symptoms are often vague and misdiagnosed. But the most common warning sign is significant weight loss accompanied by abdominal pain. This pain may feel vague but will gradually worsen and may decrease when leaning forward and increase when lying down. Pain is often severe at night and may radiate to the lower back.

One of the reasons pancreatic cancer is so difficult to detect early is because many of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by other conditions or there are no symptoms at all. Unlike for breast cancer and colon cancer, there is no general screening test for pancreatic cancer. That is why it is so important to know the symptoms and keep up with annual medical checkups.

Some common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include: (Check with your doctor if you have any of the following)

Abdominal or back pain
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Jaundice (Yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Weight loss
Changes in stool (Oily or watery)
New-onset diabetes

How Is Pancreatic Cancer Treated?

Depending on the type and stage of the cancer and other factors, treatment options for people with pancreatic cancer can include:

Surgery
Ablation or Embolization Treatments
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted Therapy
Immunotherapy

One treatment option for pancreatic cancer is surgery to remove the parts of the pancreas affected by the tumor. Where surgery is not possible, chemotherapy and radiation therapy is used to improve a patient’s quality of life.

Even if all visible cancer is removed, often some cancer cells have already spread to other parts of the body. Unfortunately, only 15-20% of patients are candidates for surgery at the time of diagnosis and among these, postoperative survival is less than 20 months with a 5-year survival of only 20%.

How Can You Prevent Pancreatic Cancer Naturally?

We are still understanding how these factors can influence pancreatic cancer but a healthy lifestyle is always the first step to overall wellness. Eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight may help lower your risk.

The American Cancer Society recommends following a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and that limits or avoids processed meats, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods.

How You Can Help Early Detection Research

A recent study estimated that it took approximately 7 years for an original pancreatic tumor to become sizable and roughly 10 years for that tumor to metastasize. This large window of growth time is promising – it gives doctors more time to detect pancreatic cancer early. With new research and developing early detection methods, thousands of lives could be saved.

What could the future of early detection for pancreatic cancer look like? It could be a blood-based test, it could be an imaging test, or it could be something that’s a conglomerate. The gift of health can change the world

At TrovaNOW, our mission is to raise funding for collaborative research for early detection and prevention – with the aim of increasing the 5-year survival rate from 12% to 50% within the next 10 years.

Knowing When To Ask For Help

There’s strength in recognizing when you need additional support. If you’re feeling consistently overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, it may be time to speak with a healthcare professional. Warning signs can include ongoing sleep trouble, loss of appetite, or emotional numbness.

Mental health care is an important part of cancer recovery. There are therapists, social workers, and cancer-specific counselors trained to support your unique needs. Don’t hesitate to seek them out.

Your medical team can help adjust medications or recommend physical therapy if your symptoms are impacting your daily life. Being honest about your struggles allows your care providers to offer better, more personalized support.

The path to recovery from pancreatic cancer is rarely straightforward. It’s a mix of triumphs and setbacks, strength and vulnerability. But through each high and low, healing is happening. Be gentle with yourself. Allow space for rest, reflection, and growth.

You don’t have to go through this journey alone. With the right support, emotional, physical, and practical, you can move forward, one step at a time. And remember, every day you show up for yourself is a victory.

At TrovaNOW, we’re focused on finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. Every test and discovery brings us closer to better treatments and saving lives. Join us and learn more at TrovaNOW.

PRECEDE Foundation Inaugural Gala

Join us for a night at the Tribeca Rooftop 360 on October 28th at 3:00pm PDT to honor the following awards:

Nobility in Science Award

Raymond C. Wadlow, MD

Catalyst for Change Award

Ambry Genetics Corporation

Legacy Awards

Jeffrey Johnson, Esq.

Jonathan Morris, Esq.

PRECEDE Leadership and Compassionate Care Award

Jessica Everett, MS, CGC

Co-Chairs

Scott Berger | Michael Gershenson | Tracy Chen

Honorary Chairs

Diane Simeone, MD | Jamie Brickell

Get tickets here.

A Long and Steadfast Battle Against a Terrible Cancer

Raymond Wadlow lost his mom, Emily Couric, to pancreatic cancer in 2001. Today he’s an oncologist pushing for early detection.

Cancer treatment is an incredibly challenging journey, often leaving survivors physically and emotionally drained. While survival is the primary goal, the road to recovery requires more than just healing from the illness itself, it requires rebuilding strength and endurance. One of the most effective ways to regain strength and improve quality of life after treatment is through strength training.

In this blog, we’ll explore why building muscle matters after cancer treatment, how strength training supports recovery, and why it’s important to include physical activity in a full recovery plan.

The Importance of Muscle Health in Cancer Recovery

During cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy and radiation, the body goes through a variety of changes, including significant muscle loss. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and a decrease in overall functional capacity. Survivors may also experience joint pain, decreased bone density, and difficulty with mobility. When muscles are weakened, it becomes more difficult to perform everyday tasks, affecting the ability to return to normal life.

Muscle health is crucial for maintaining daily functioning, increasing stamina, and improving the body’s ability to heal. Building muscle after cancer treatment can help counteract the physical decline caused by treatments, reduce fatigue, and increase energy levels. Strong muscles are also important for stability, balance, and preventing falls or injuries, which can be especially crucial as the body regains strength.

Benefits of Strength Training After Cancer Treatment

Physical Benefits

Strength training is an excellent way to rebuild muscle mass lost during cancer treatment. By focusing on resistance exercises that challenge the muscles, you can restore strength and regain physical independence. Whether through bodyweight exercises, free weights, or resistance bands, strength training helps increase muscle mass, boost stamina, and promote flexibility.

It also improves bone density, which is particularly important for cancer survivors who may be at risk of osteoporosis due to treatments like chemotherapy and hormone therapy. As you build muscle, you reduce the risk of bone fractures and improve posture and stability.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Physical activity, especially strength training, has significant mental health benefits. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that help reduce anxiety and depression. Cancer survivors often experience feelings of helplessness and loss of control. Strength training helps you regain control over your body, build confidence, and feel accomplished.

Strength training offers mental benefits like improved mood and focus. Research shows that regular exercise can also help manage the cognitive effects of cancer treatment, such as “chemo brain,” which can cause memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and brain fog. Strength training can improve cognitive function, helping survivors feel more mentally sharp and focused.

Long-Term Health Benefits

Strength training can help prevent long-term complications of cancer treatment. Conditions such as sarcopenia (muscle wasting) and metabolic syndrome, which involves high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels, are common among cancer survivors. Building muscle through strength training can help manage these conditions and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Muscle health supports overall immune function and metabolism. Strong muscles help regulate blood sugar levels, enhance circulation, and improve the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, critical for recovery and long-term health.

The Science Behind Strength Training for Cancer Survivors

Strength training works by creating small tears in muscle fibers, which, when repaired, become stronger over time. After cancer treatment, the body may be in a weakened state, but through consistent resistance training, it begins to rebuild muscle tissue. This process is essential for improving muscle mass and overall body strength.

Strength training promotes hormone regulation, which can be disrupted by cancer treatments. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy often interfere with estrogen and testosterone levels. Regular strength training helps balance these hormones, which can improve mood, energy levels, and general well-being.

Studies have shown that strength training can help cancer survivors reduce fatigue, improve cardiovascular health, and maintain a healthy weight. This holistic approach is vital to fully recovering from the effects of cancer treatment and returning to a normal, active lifestyle.

Key Considerations When Starting Strength Training Post-Treatment

Starting strength training after cancer treatment should be approached with care. The body may be more sensitive and vulnerable in the recovery phase, so it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist before beginning an exercise program.

Start Slow and Progress Gradually: Don’t jump into intense workouts right away. Begin with low-impact exercises that focus on mobility, flexibility, and core strength. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as your body adapts. Listen to your body, rest when needed, and avoid pushing too hard.
Focus on Recovery and Balance: Incorporating rest days into your routine is just as important as training days. Overtraining can lead to injury or burnout, so make sure you balance strength training with adequate recovery. This includes prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and hydration as part of your overall fitness plan.
Adapt Exercises to Your Body’s Needs: Cancer treatment can result in lingering side effects like joint pain, fatigue, and reduced range of motion. Modify exercises to accommodate these challenges. Resistance bands and light weights can be excellent starting points for those who need to ease into strength training.

Effective Strength Training Exercises for Cancer Survivors

Cancer survivors can begin their strength training journey with simple, low-impact exercises that target the major muscle groups. Here are some effective exercises to get started:

Bodyweight Squats: Squats are a great full-body exercise that targets the legs, glutes, and core. Start by performing shallow squats and gradually increase the depth as you build strength.
Wall Push-ups: Wall push-ups are an excellent way to build upper body strength without straining the shoulders or wrists. As you gain strength, progress to standard push-ups or modified knee push-ups.
Resistance Band Exercises: Resistance bands are perfect for adding gentle resistance to exercises like bicep curls, shoulder presses, and leg extensions. They provide controlled resistance that’s easier on the joints.
Dumbbell Exercises: Once you’ve built up some strength, you can incorporate light dumbbells for exercises like lunges, chest presses, and rows to continue building muscle.
Core Workouts: Strengthening your core is essential for improving balance and stability. Exercises like planks, bird dogs, and leg raises are great for building a solid foundation of strength.

Building a Strength Training Routine

Creating a strength training routine that fits your needs is essential for long-term success. Here are some tips for creating a sustainable workout plan:

Frequency: Aim for two to three strength training sessions per week, spaced out to allow for adequate recovery.
Duration: Start with 20-30 minute sessions and gradually increase the time as your body becomes more accustomed to the routine.
Progression: Increase the resistance, repetitions, or sets as you build strength. A good rule of thumb is to challenge your muscles without overexerting yourself.
Consistency: Make strength training a regular part of your life, but be patient with the process. Progress may be slow, but every step forward is a victory.

Building muscle after cancer treatment is a powerful tool in the recovery process. Strength training not only helps rebuild muscle mass and physical strength, but it also provides emotional and mental benefits that can enhance overall well-being. By embracing a thoughtful, gradual approach to strength training, cancer survivors can regain control of their bodies, improve their health, and achieve a higher quality of life. Remember, consistency is key, strength comes over time.

In 2025, TrovaNow is expanding its impact—with a 40% increase in fundraising goals and more research sites dedicated to supporting cancer recovery. Visit www.trovanow.com to see how you can get involved and donate today.