PROGRAM SUCCESS – SEPTEMBER 2011
PAGE 21
PANCREATIC CANCER AND AFRICAN AMERICANS
Many people may have heard
about lung cancer, breast
cancer, or even cervical cancer
because it is well publicized in
the media. Well, I am here to
bring awareness to you about
pancreatic cancer which kills
thousands yearly. While you
can find a lump at the doctor for
breast cancer, pancreatic cancer
goes undetected for many years.
As shown in the image, the
pancreas is approximately 6
inches and is located behind the
stomach at the rear of the
abdomen. The enzymes from
the pancreas aids the digestive
system along with helping to
keep blood sugar level
balanced.
Pancreatic cancer affects every
race but is higher in African
Americans. Often times by the
time African Americans are
diagnosed it is so bad that not
even
surgery
can
help.
“….African Americans also have
the poorest prognosis of any
racial group because they often
are diagnosed with advanced, and
therefore, inoperable cancer.”
Specific to African American
Population. Retrieved July 31,
2011 from http://pathology.jhu.edu/pc/PartAfAm.php
Bridgette Elliott, CEO
WornByACelebrity.Com
P.O. Box 880366
Boca Raton, FL 33488
Tel. 561-727-7496
[email protected]
www.wornbyacelebrity.com
Actor, Patrick Swayze, best known for his role in Dirty dancing passed away from
pancreatic cancer. The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, was recently diagnosed with
the same disease. Having overcome many obstacles in my life and experiencing things
some people won’t in a lifetime, the one that stands out to me is when I took care of
my aunt during her chemotherapy fight against pancreatic cancer. The raw emotions
and the memories created during the last days of my aunt’s hospice care required me
to become quickly educated in transitions the body goes through during end of life. My
aunt passed away during cancer awareness month and it is because of this experience
that I am lead to empower the African American community about this terminal
disease. Pursuant to Dr Otis W. Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer
Society, “African-Americans face inequalities in income, education and standard of
living, as well as barriers to accessing high-quality health care.” Cancer Death Rates
Decline Among Blacks, But Disparities Linger (2009). Retrieved July 31, 2011 from
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-
health/cancer/articles/2009/02/18/cancer-death-rates-decline-among-blacks-but
You are at an increased risk of getting pancreatic cancer if you smoke, are diabetic,
maintain an unhealthy diet, obese, have liver problems, and/or have a family history.
Let’s look at some of the risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer. First, fast food
restaurants are everywhere on every corner. No wonder the children and adults are
obese. African Americans need to cut back on fast food and get more exercise. “A
study showed that if you drank over 2 sodas per week, you double your risk of getting
Pancreatic Cancer”. Dr. Oz Pancreatic Risk Factor. Retrieved July 31, 2011 from
http://healthybodydaily.com/dr-oz-cancer/dr-oz-risk-factors-for-pancreatic-cancer
Second, smoking is responsible for up to 30% of pancreatic cancer and “20% may be
associated with dietary factors. Only 5-10% are hereditary in nature”. Tomislav
Dragovich, MD, PhD, Pancreatic Cancer. (2011, February 6). Pancreatic Cancer.
Retrieved July 31, 2011, from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/280605-
overview#aw2aab6b2b3aa
If you don’t want to be part of the statistic, then quit smoking, lose weight, and eat a
lot of fruits, vegetables, and reduce fat in your diet by avoiding things like processed
meats i.e.: bacon and bologna.
Pancreatic cancer symptoms may include pain in the upper part of your abdomen that
may be felt in your back, jaundice, and losing weight. There are other conditions that
may cause the above symptoms so the best thing to do is to see your doctor.
Possible treatments for pancreatic cancer include surgery, radiation therapy,
chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, alternative medicine/treatment, and clinical trials.
“Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer as well
as on your age, overall health and personal preferences.” Pancreatic Cancer (2011).
Retrieved July 31, 2011 from http://www.bing.com/health/article/mayo-
125967/Pancreatic-cancer?q=pancreatic+cancer+symptoms#symptoms
Dr Diane Simeone, the President of the American Pancreatic Association, and Dr
Elizabeth Jaffee, founder of the Pancreas Cancer Vaccine and Director of Translational
Research at Johns Hopkins University are playing a part in spreading the word about the
potential vaccine to help combat the cancer during the cancer treatment process. Dr.
Bert Vogelstein of John Hopkins is hard at work trying to develop a test to detect the
disease before an individual has symptoms. Also, Dr. Ralph Hruban from John Hopkins
is working on identifying hereditary causes for the disease.
Until we find a cure for this horrific disease, you can participate in the NFPTR registry
by completing a questionnaire at http://pathology.jhu.edu/pancreas/nfptr/who.php
There are many events held worldwide to bring awareness about pancreatic cancer but
the following upcoming event during cancer awareness month is expected to draw and
enormous crowd from across the nation:
Saturday, October 29, 2011, VIP Party & Mini
Fashion Show to be held at the Mirage Lounge at
Quality Inn Sawgrass Center, 1711 N. University Dr.
Plantation, Florida. Purchase your tickets at
www.wornbyacelebrity.com