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Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: Let’s Work Together to Diagnose Cancer Faster

purple-cellvizio-pancreatic-cancer-awareness-nov2014
Photo Credit: @ElementalHCare

Pancreatic cancer is often found late and spreads quickly. This makes it difficult to treat – it’s predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States by 2030.i  The American Cancer Society estimates about 46,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the US in 2014.ii

Cancerous pancreatic cysts are hard to catch because they often don’t cause any early symptoms, but improvements in imaging technology are helping physicians find these cysts more frequently. We believe not knowing the nature of a pancreatic cyst may soon become a thing of the past. And improved awareness and better funding will only help physicians diagnose cancer faster.

This November, Mauna Kea Technologies is joining tens of thousands of people around the world in recognizing Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and the first ever World Pancreatic Cancer Day on November 13th.

International non-profit organizations including the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in the US and Pancreatic Cancer Action in the UK are coming together to raise awareness, improve research funding, and provide support for individuals and families living with the disease.

Purple Selfie Image
Photo Credit: @ElementalHCare

Here are a few ways you can get involved and show your support this month:

  • Wear purple!

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has organized “Purple for a Purpose” for World Pancreatic Cancer Day. Celebrities, media influencers, on-air talent and other supporters will wear purple to raise awareness.

  • Use social media!

Pancreatic Cancer Action is asking individuals to take and share a #purplepselfie on social media.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network invites you to join the “Wage Hope” campaign this month by visiting www.facebook.com/jointhefight and following @PanCAN on Twitter. Actions include changing Facebook profiles and cover photos and sharing and retweeting content.

i Rahib, Lola. “Projecting Cancer Incidence and Deaths to 2030: The Unexpected Burden of Thyroid, Liver, and Pancreas Cancers in the United States.” Cancer Research. Published online May 19, 2014. http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2014/03/25/0008-5472.CAN-14-0155.full.pdf+html.

ii American Cancer Society. “What are the key statistics about pancreatic cancer?” June 11, 2014. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreaticcancer/detailedguide/pancreatic-cancer-key-statistics.

Does Soda Consumption Increase Your Chance of Pancreatic Cancer?

Preventing Pancreatic Cancer
According to a recent report in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, there is a direct link between the amount of soda individuals drink and their chance of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. “The high levels of sugar in soft drinks may be increasing the level of insulin in the body, which we think contributes to pancreatic cancer cell growth,” said Mark Pereira, senior author of the report on pancreatic cancer and soda intake.
The study, which took place throughout a 14 year period, included following more than 60,000 men and women. Throughout that time, there were 140 reported cases of pancreatic cancer. The individuals who consumed more than two soft drinks per week increased their chance of getting pancreatic cancer by 87 percent.

Healthy Alternatives to Soda

Do you reach for a soda when you’re thirsty? There are healthy options available if you enjoy the sweet, carbonated taste of a soft drink.

1. Flavored Waters

Adding a few slices of your favorite fruit can give your water the extra flavor your drink needs without adding calories or other negative health risks associated with soda.

2. Juice

Though there was a link between soda intake and an increased chance of pancreatic cancer, there was no link to pancreatic cancer and juice. Juice can be refreshing, low in sugar and healthy!

3. Green Tea

Not only does green tea taste great, there are also many health benefits to drinking green tea. Some health benefits include reducing the risk of several types of cancer, reducing hypertension and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Believe you may have an increased chance of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? Find out early with Cellvizio Targeted Biopsy.
Noel T. Mueller, Andrew Odegaard, Kristin Anderson, Jian-Min Yuan, Myron Gross, Woon-Puay Koh, and Mark A. Pereira. Soft Drink and Juice Consumption and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: The Singapore Chinese Health StudyCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, 2010; 19 (2): 447 DOI:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-09-0862

The Healthiest Nuts For Pancreatic Cyst Prevention

Link Between Pancreatic Cancer and Nuts
In a recent study by Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School1 it was determined that there is an association between an increase in nut consumption and a decreased risk of pancreatic cysts and cancer.
The study shows that eating a one-ounce serving of nuts at least twice a week decreases your chance of developing a pancreatic pseudocysts, or cancerous cysts.

Five Healthiest Nuts

Here are a few of the healthiest nuts to have for your go-to afternoon snack:

1. Almonds

Almonds are considered a super food because they’re high in Vitamin E, fiber, calcium, zinc and folic acid. They are the most nutrient-dense nut and a tasty snack!

2. Walnuts

Walnuts contain the highest amount of antioxidants. Not only can they help protect you against pancreatic cancer, but they also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

3. Cashews

Cashews are a great source of magnesium, calcium, vitamin B and folic acid. They also contain twice as much iron as ground beef.

4. Pecans

Pecans are antixodant-rich, making them powerful in protecting you against cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.

5. Brazil Nuts

Studies show that Brazil Nuts can protect you against certain cancers, skin disorders and anxiety. Due to the high selenium content, consuming Brazil Nuts even help reduce asthma.
1. Bao Y, Hu FB, Giovannucci EL, Wolpin BM, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Fuchs CS. “Nut consumption and risk of pancreatic cancer in women.” PubMed. 26 Nov 2013. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24149179.