Each year, there are about 42,470-individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a malignant neoplasm of the pancreas, with 35,240 dying from the disease. A generally poor prognosis, with less than 5% surviving even five years after the diagnosis, and complete remission is extremely rare.

A silent killer, there are no symptoms during its early stages, and the later symptoms are usually non-specific and varied, meaning it is not until it is far advanced that pancreatic cancer is diagnosed. Common symptoms to look out for, include:

" Pain in the upper abdomen radiating to the back.

" Loss of appetite and/or nausea and vomiting.

" Significant weight loss.

" Painless jaundice (yellow skin/eyes, dark urine), as cancer of the head of the pancreas (about 60% of cases) obstructs the common bile duct running through the pancreas. This can also cause pale-coloured stool and steatorrhea.

Sometimes, trousseau sign, wherein blood clots develop spontaneously in the blood vessels, deep veins of the extremities, or the body's superficial veins, is sometimes associated with pancreatic cancer.

Patients with pancreatic cancer can also develop diabetes mellitus, or elevated blood sugar levels, months or even years before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Clinical depression has also been reportedly associated with pancreatic cancer, sometimes even before the cancer is diagnosed. The risk factors for pancreatic cancer include:

" Age (especially the 60-plus).

" More common amongst males.

" Being of African-American ethnicity.

" Smokers run a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

" A diet low in vegetables and fruits, high in red meat can lead to the condition.

" Obesity is an other factor.

" Diabetes mellitus as noted earlier, with new onset diabetes a possible early sign of the disease.

" Helicobacter pylori infection.

" Family history.

" Gingivitis or periodontal disease

It remains a controversial suggestion, but it is still not clear whether alcohol consumption is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, though excessive alcohol is a major cause of chronic pancreatitis, which in turn predisposes to pancreatic cancer.

The only treatments of pancreatic cancer, depending on its stage are surgery and chemotherapy.

Pancreatic cancer has become the focus of an Australian scientific team led by Professor Sean Grimmond (Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland) and Associate Professor Andrew Biankin (Garvan Institute and Bankstown Hospital, NSW).

As well, telephone support groups, peer support and SPRING UP! community support groups, online support forums and booklets for those affected by pancreatic cancer, their carers and families is provided by the Cancer Council NSW. For more details on support and research, call the Cancer Council Helpline - 13-11-20 or visit www. cancercouncil. com. au.