The list of most deadly cancers in the US will change over the next 16 years,a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Research projects.Today,the top three killers are lung,breast cancer for women/prostrate cancer for men,and colorectal cancer.By 2030,the study funded by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network found that lung,pancreatic and liver cancers will be the top three causes of cancer death.The top diagnoses in 2030 are predicted to be lung,breast/prostrate,thyroid,melanoma and uterine cancers.
The projections for deaths from pancreatic and liver cancers are startling,said Lynn Matrisian,PhD,MBA,vice president of scientific and medical affairs at the PCAN.This study is a call to action to the scientific and clinical communities,as well as the population at large,to increase attention,awareness,and ultimately progress in the fight against pancreatic cancer.*
The new estimate considered two factors:the demographic trends of an aging population and the growing population of minorities,some of whom are more susceptible to certain cancers;and the changes in the average annual percentages of cancer incidence and deaths related to better screening and prevention on the one hand,and the prevalence of smoking and viral infections on the other.*
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose because access and imaging are limited by the location of the pancreas in the body.As well,it is difficult to treat because the tumours are surrounded and infiltrated by dense connective tissue that is believed to impede drug delivery.Data also suggest a tendency for the tumours to metastisise early in the course of the disease.Add to that the fact that less than 20% of the tumours are operable.*
The PCAN aims to double pancreatic cancer survival by 2020 through heightening awareness,raising funds for comprehensive private research,advocating for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics,better treatments and increase the chances of survival.
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