| Theme |
Diagnostic Strategy of Pancreatic Carcinoma in Early Stage |
| Title |
Epidemiology of Pancreatic Cancer |
| Author |
Makoto Sunamura |
Department of Surgery, Teikyo University School of Medicine / Cancer Surgery Section, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK |
| Author |
Shinichi Egawa |
Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Tadahiro Takada |
Department of Surgery, Teikyo University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
Risk factors for pancreatic cancer were analyzed in order to determine early stages of the disease. A familial history of pancreatic cancer and hereditary pancreatic cancer, the accompanying diseases of diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis and hereditary pancreatitis, as well as smoking have previously been recognized as being risk factors. Since about 80 % the pancreatic of the cancer cases are determined to be Stage IV, it is difficult to provide a diagnosis during the early stages of this disease. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a routine health examination for patients who suffer from associated diseases. The data from the pancreatic cancer registry of the Japan Pancreas Society indicates that the survival rate since 2001 has improved dramatically. It is speculated that the approved use of Gemcitabine has played an important role in producing this favorable result. |