Pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest and fastest-spreading cancers, has a five-year survival rate of just 3 per cent in India, making it the lowest among all cancers, doctors have warned. Dr PN Mohapatra, Director of Medical Oncology at Apollo Hospitals, said the disease is often detected too late, with nearly 43 per cent of patients diagnosed at Stage 4, when treatment options are limited and survival chances drop dramatically.
Unlike breast or lung cancer, pancreatic cancer has seen minimal improvement in treatment over the years. Surgery and chemotherapy offer limited benefits, and recurrence rates remain high, with survival rates for treated patients hovering around 12–15 per cent. Early signs—persistent stomach or back pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, loss of appetite, digestive issues, or sudden-onset diabetes—are often ignored, delaying timely intervention.
In Kolkata, hospitals and diagnostic centres report a steady increase in cases, prompting demand for specialised oncology services. “Awareness campaigns in urban centres like Kolkata are critical,” Dr Mohapatra noted. Private hospitals are now investing in advanced diagnostic tools and clinical trials to improve early detection and treatment outcomes, while patient groups are pushing for wider public education. Experts stress that government, research bodies, and healthcare providers must collaborate urgently to boost awareness, fund research, and improve early detection. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including exercise, diabetes management, balanced diet, and avoiding smoking—can help reduce risk, but vigilance remains key.
