2023-05-15 05:30:02
Women are increasingly affected by pancreatic cancer. The incidence among them is catching up with that of men. For what ? Are there any specific symptoms? What is the age at risk? The survival rate?
Pancreatic cancer is the 7th most common cancer in women (the 9th in men). Its incidence is increasing in a worrying way among them, in particular because of the tyrant. And the death rate too. For what ? What are the risk factors pancreatic cancer in women? Are there any specific symptoms ? What is thelife expectancy ? Age at diagnosis ? Answers with Pr Renato Lupinacci, pancreatic and digestive surgeon at the Ambroise-Paré Hospital (APHP-Paris Saclay University).
What are the figures for pancreatic cancer in women?
“Pancreatic cancer is one of rare cancers on the rise. The incidence of pancreatic cancer increases especially in women, reports Professor Renato Lupinacci. Indeed, from 1990 to 2018, pancreatic cancer has increased on average per year by +2.7% in men and +3.8% in women (Data Defossez G. BMC Cancer 2021, see diagram below). I’National Institute of Cancer (Inca) thus estimated at 6,900 cancers the number of new cases of pancreatic cancer in women in 2018 against 7,300 in men. “If today, more men have pancreatic cancer than women (51% of men against 49%)the gap is narrowing“, he continues. Pancreatic cancer death rate is rising also more markedly in women (+1.2% per year for women against +0.3% per year in men)
What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer in women?
“There are no differences in clinical manifestations in males or females. The only difference is in the level pancreatic cancer risk factors : the BRCA gene mutationmuch more common in women and also associated with a predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer“. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer are silent and unspecific for a long time, especially at the beginning of the disease. As the disease progresses, the cancer can lead to:
- Unintentional weight loss
- A loss of appetite
- Digestive disorders
- Unexplained tiredness
- A state of generalized weakness
- Abdominal and/or back pain
- Yellowing of the skin and the white of the eye (jaundice)
What is the average age at diagnosis in women?
“Pancreatic cancer is most often diagnosed after 70 ans”, answers Professor Lupinacci. In women, the age at diagnosis is a little later than in men: 73 years for women against 70 years in men.
What are the (specific) risk factors for women?
As with all cancers, there are genetic mutations that predispose to pancreatic cancer. “The most common genetic mutations affect the BRCA2 geneet the CDKN2A gene (associated with skin melanoma). La BRCA gene mutation which is much more common in women and also associated with a predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer“, explains our interlocutor. In addition to this risk factor specific to women, we can also mention smoking (active and passive), chronic pancreatitis, metabolic syndrome or obesity, which are common risk factors for both sexes.
“Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest digestive cancer”
Is pancreatic cancer in young women possible?
pancreatic cancer occurs exceptionally before the age of 50. In 3/4 of cases, the diagnosis is made after the age of 65. Pancreatic cancer in young women (under 40) is very rare.
What is the life expectancy of pancreatic cancer in women?
Men as well as women,pancreatic cancer is the deadliest digestive cancerreports our specialist. We have an overall survival at 5 years for all stages combined. less than 10%”
Thanks to Pr Renato Lupinacci, pancreatic and digestive surgeon at Ambroise-Paré Hospital (APHP-Paris Saclay University).
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