Preventing pancreatic cancer is possible with healthy habits

• Oncology nutritionist Claritza Pimentel, of IntraCare Center, explains that not smoking, keeping a suitable weight and eating a balanced diet reduces the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Santo Domingo. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal diseases worldwide and, despite its high mortality, it remains largely unknown to much of the population. The key to reducing its impact lies in prevention, which begins with everyday decisions about lifestyle.

According to Dr Claritza Pimentel, clinical oncology nutritionist at IntraCare Center, there is no foolproof formula for avoiding this type of cancer, but a great deal of research agrees that adopting healthy habits can significantly reduce the risk. Avoiding tobacco, maintaining a suitable body weight, following a balanced diet and moderating alcohol consumption are essential measures.

“Smoking, for example, is linked to one in four cases of pancreatic cancer. Giving up cigarettes does not only improve general health, it also considerably lowers the likelihood of developing this type of tumour,” explains the IntraCare Center specialist. Excess weight and obesity, for their part, raise the risk, which makes regular physical activity and weight control decisive too.

Diet is another fundamental pillar of prevention. The expert recommends a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and wholegrains and low in processed meats, saturated fats and sugary drinks. It is also advisable to reduce alcohol consumption, since conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, associated with excessive drinking, can raise the chances of developing pancreatic cancer.

Beyond lifestyle, genetics also plays an important role. Dr Pimentel points out that people with a family history, especially where there are two or more cases in first-degree relatives, or with genetic syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or hereditary pancreatitis, should consider joining screening programmes. These initiatives make it possible to detect early lesions through tests such as endoscopic ultrasound, MRI scans and specific clinical tests.

One of the great challenges of this type of cancer is late detection. In its early stages it usually shows no obvious symptoms, and by the time they appear the disease is usually advanced. The most common signs include jaundice, abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, changes in stools, loss of appetite or the sudden appearance of type 2 diabetes in adults.

There is currently no specific, effective test for detecting pancreatic cancer early in people without risk factors. Prevention and awareness therefore remain the best tools for fighting this disease.

While medical research advances in search of more precise diagnostic methods, the IntraCare specialist insists that strengthening health education, encouraging medical check-ups and promoting a healthy lifestyle from an early age are key actions for reducing its incidence. Being informed and seeing a doctor at any unusual symptom can make the difference.

About IntraCare Center

IntraCare Center is a health centre specialising in oncology services, palliative care, outpatient and home chemotherapy, and the distribution of cytostatic medicines. It has a team committed to improving the quality of life of adult and paediatric cancer patients, through innovative equipment and technological systems operating to the highest standards of quality and biosafety.