"Back pain," I thought it was due to diabetes... The story of a woman in her 50s with 'this cancer' who ultimately passed away.

Despite efforts to manage health after a diabetes diagnosis, pancreatic cancer was diagnosed late.

A woman in her 50s from the UK was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after experiencing weight loss and back pain. The cancer had already spread to her liver and brain, making surgery impossible. She continued her life in a hospice ward but passed away about five months after the diagnosis. During this time, she wore a dress to celebrate her final moments and made memories with her family. [Photo = British media The Sun captured]

 

The story has been told of a woman in her 50s from the UK who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer too late and ultimately passed away.

 

According to the recent UK media outlet The Sun, Giles Nibs was suddenly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 57 and passed away within a few months. Before the pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Giles had been treated for thyroid cancer with surgery and had recovered his health. Afterwards, he was also diagnosed with diabetes and made efforts to maintain a healthy life. He did not smoke or drink alcohol and practiced habits such as walking frequently in his daily life.

 

Despite these efforts, Gil experienced weight loss and back pain. Suddenly, blood sugar control became difficult. At the time, Gil and his family thought it was due to diabetes, but the symptoms worsened gradually. Gil's daughter, Lucy, explained, "My mother suddenly lost weight and her blood sugar was not properly controlled, so she went to the hospital, and the doctors also said it was due to diabetes," adding, "My mother had severe back pain and had difficulty even when going to the bathroom."

 

One day, Lucy came across an article about pancreatic cancer. She thought that Gil's symptoms resembled those of pancreatic cancer and took him to the hospital again. The test results confirmed that Gil had pancreatic cancer. It was a serious condition where the tumor had spread to the liver and brain, and there was no treatment other than life extension. As a result, Gil continued his life in a hospice ward but passed away about five months after the diagnosis. During this time, Gil wore a dress to celebrate his final moments and made memories with his family.

 

Lucy said, "I am sharing this story because I hope other families do not experience this kind of sorrow," and added, "If you have any symptoms of suspicion, I recommend getting a diagnosis quickly."

 

Smokers and diabetes patients have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

 

The pancreas is a digestive organ located between the end of the sternum and the navel. It secretes digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and also secretes hormones such as insulin that regulate blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer is a disease characterized by the formation of tumors composed of cancer cells in the pancreas. The majority of pancreatic cancers, about 90%, originate from pancreatic ductal cells, known as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Other types include cystic carcinomas and neuroendocrine tumors.

 

The exact cause has not been identified, but it is presumed that genetic and environmental factors are involved in combination. A strong environmental factor is smoking. It is known that 20-25% of all pancreatic cancer cases are caused by smoking. As in the case mentioned above, people with diabetes also have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are relevant. Obesity and chronic pancreatitis can also lead to cancer.

 

Loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice, and other common symptoms. What are the prevention methods?

 

As can be seen from the above story, weight loss, back and lower back pain are common symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Loss of appetite, jaundice, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits such as constipation also appear. Because these are not specific symptoms, it is easy to overlook the fact that it is cancer, but if detected early, it can be cured through surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. However, pancreatic cancer is not easy to detect early, and it is known that only about 30% of patients undergo surgery. Surgery is possible when the cancer has not invaded surrounding blood vessels and has not metastasized to the liver or lungs, typically in stage 1 or 2 pancreatic cancer.

 

The number of pancreatic cancer patients in Korea is steadily increasing. In 2023, 28,555 people received treatment for pancreatic cancer, a 34.6% increase over the 21,219 patients in 2019 over four years. Men are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than women, and the incidence rate increases from age 50 onwards.

 

There is no definitive way to prevent pancreatic cancer. Avoiding risk factors is the best approach. Quitting smoking and abstaining from alcohol are essential. It is helpful to refrain from high-fat and high-calorie diets that burden the pancreas and cause obesity. It is also good to regularly include fruits and vegetables in your diet.

 

Choi Ji-hye jhchoi@kormedi.com

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