Pancreatic Cancer Cure May be on the Horizon

One of the most lethal forms of cancer is pancreatic cancer. Research shows the death rate for those stricken with pancreatic cancer is a staggering 95 percent. 

Scientists in California are developing a pill that may help to prevent this deadly disease. The researchers have found a key to lowering the risk of pancreatic cancer is to reduce inflammation. The scientists found inflamed pancreas cells tend to develop pre–cancerous lesions. When the inflamation is reduced, the lesions fade away.

There has been some evidence showing a 29 percent drop in the risk of pancreatic cancer simply by taking aspirin on a daily basis. The research team in California is hoping to develop a more effective drug that would block the specific inflammation pathway and significantly reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. 

The American Cancer Society ranks pancreatic cancer as the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the nation. Lung, colon and breast cancer rank one through three.

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect because the symptoms -- abdominal pain, jaundice, loss of appetite, weight loss or depression -- are sometimes not very severe. And, in some cases the victims experience no symptoms.