Promoting Healthy Lifestyles to Prevent Pancreatic Cancer in Kericho

A Kericho medic emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle to prevent pancreatic cancer, which lacks early detection methods and often presents no symptoms until advanced stages. Key risk factors include smoking and obesity. Early recognition of symptoms can improve treatment outcomes.

To commemorate World Cancer Day on February 5, medical experts in Kericho stress the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing pancreatic cancer. This type of cancer originates in the pancreas, an organ situated behind the stomach that produces enzymes for digestion and insulin for blood sugar regulation. Due to the absence of effective early detection methods and clear symptoms, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages.

Pancreatic cancer is diagnosed late, often in stage 4, making treatment challenging. Dr. Philip Blasto from AIC Litein Kericho annex clinic highlights that early symptoms like significant stomach pain, jaundice, and unexplained weight loss are often mistaken for other ailments. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, and genetic predisposition. Without proper screening, patients may receive treatment for unrelated conditions until the cancer progresses.

In summary, pancreatic cancer poses significant challenges due to its asymptomatic nature in early stages and the lack of screening methods. Emphasizing a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy weight, is crucial for prevention. Early recognition of symptoms can facilitate timely intervention, ultimately improving patient prognosis. The overall low survival rate underscores the need for awareness and lifestyle modifications to combat this aggressive cancer.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke