Last week one of my readers called me and asked me to write about pancreatic cancer given recent news about celebrities having suffered this type of cancer. We understand that pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant cells are found, called cancer of the pancreas. This organ of the body is important because it produces juices that aid in digestion of food, and hormones like insulin and glucagon that help control blood glucose (sugar) in the blood. There are certain risk factors which, as with any other disease, could increase the chances of becoming ill with this disease. Whenever we talk about risk factors please proceed with caution. Of course, consulting with your doctor is of paramount importance, so please take note:
• Smoking, chronic diabetes for an extended period of time, pancreatitis (inflammation), and certain inherited health conditions have been linked as risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Possible symptoms associated with this cancer include yellowing of the skin known as jaundice, pain, unexplained weight loss, poor appetite and fatigue. But these symptoms may be associated with other conditions, which makes disease detection complicated. It is known that pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect and provide an early diagnosis.
• During cancer treatment, good nutrition is critical given that the patient now faces not only the disease but also the side effects of treatments that normally include surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Essential nutrients needed are those that the body human can not produce by itself and must acquire from food. These include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. You need enough calories and protein to prevent significant loss of weight, fat and muscle and help heal and repair the body. This is essential to maintaining an alert immune system that prevents and fights infections. During the course of the disease and its treatment eating becomes a challenge for patients due to the side effects. Malnourished patients feel weak, tired, and unable to tolerate the treatments or fight infections. Foods with a high caloric content and protein are generally needed to counterweight the loss of strength. We recommend the use of high caloric snacks to add calories to the diet. Please have great care and caution using certain supplements, antioxidants or herbs that presume benefits and tend to enforce the assumptions of healing powers. Please convey this information and discuss with your medical team so they can provide the best guidance in terms of supplements that are beneficial to your specific condition. Generally, the nutritional recommendations are supervised by a registered dietitian who is part of the health team responsible for patient care. And finally, equally important and sometimes of primary importance, is the support of family, friends, and spiritual guides. There are non-profit agencies which offer many support programs for patients and families, take advantage of them. My philosophy is that no matter the diagnosis or prognosis each battle is personal, and as referenced in Buddhist philosophy, there is no battle we can not win the crown of victory.
Araceli Vazquez is a registered dietitian and nutritionist with practices in Dallas. You may write to Araceli@dietgenics.com or call 972-664-0846.