Kericho Medic Urges Residents to Prioritize Healthy Lifestyle to Prevent Pancreatic Cancer
As the world commemorates World Cancer Day on 5 February, a resident surgeon in Kericho has urged Kericho residents to prioritize a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent pancreatic cancer, a rare form of cancer that is challenging to detect and treat.
Dr. Philip Blasto from AIC Litein Kericho annex clinic highlighted that pancreatic cancer often goes undetected until it has advanced, as there are no specific screening tests for early detection. He emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms such as stomach pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice, and new onset or worsening of diabetes, and urged early consultation with a healthcare professional for diagnosis.
Dr. Blasto explained that risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, obesity, family history of diabetes, and inherited genetic risks. He stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular health check-ups to detect any early signs of the disease.
Despite the challenges in early detection and treatment, Dr. Blasto emphasized that pancreatic cancer can be managed if discovered early, extending the patient’s life and maintaining their quality of life. He highlighted the importance of imaging tests and screenings to check for the disease and its impact on surrounding tissues and vessels.
Pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer globally with the highest mortality rate among major cancers. Dr. Blasto warned of the slim survival rates associated with pancreatic cancer and cited the case of Steve Jobs, who succumbed to the disease in 2003.
In conclusion, Dr. Blasto emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early detection in preventing and managing pancreatic cancer, urging the residents of Kericho to prioritize their health and well-being.
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