What Is End Stage Pancreatic Cancer?
End stage pancreatic cancer is an advanced tumor of the pancreas that cannot be cured, as Cancer Research UK explains. However, a doctor may recommend treatment options to manage the condition. Management of advanced pancreatic cancer is meant to slow its growth and ease symptoms. According to National Cancer Institute, end-of-life care for cancer patients aims to control pain, nausea and shortness of breath.
Cancer of the pancreas is hard to detect and treat because most of its major symptoms do not manifest until advanced stages of development, according to NHS. Surgery is the only known way to cure the condition at early stages. However, the therapy is effective in about 15 to 20 percent of victims.
Once diagnosed with end stage pancreatic cancer, a patient should talk to his specialist about treatment and management options, Cancer Research UK advises. A terminal cancer specialist helps the patient come to terms with the reality of a positive diagnosis and explains how treatment can help.
National Cancer Institute advocates for open-ended communication between a doctor and a terminal cancer patient. Communication about pancreas cancer management options should start early to ease the patient’s stress. This also makes it easier for the patient to cope with his condition as it progresses.
