Pancreatic cancer cases are rising alarmingly in India, with men twice as likely as women to develop the disease, according to experts at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. They attribute this trend to lifestyle shifts influenced by Western diets, including increased consumption of processed foods, high-fat diets, and sugary drinks.

“Urban populations show higher rates due to sedentary lifestyles and dietary changes,” noted Dr. Puneet Dhar, HoD, GI Surgery at Amrita Hospital. He emphasized the need for dietary and lifestyle modifications, early detection, and risk factor management to curb this growing crisis.

Dr. Saleem Naik, Senior Consultant, GI Surgery, highlighted modifiable risk factors such as smoking, alcohol intake, and obesity. He also stressed preventive measures, including a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, and smoking cessation.

Advancements in diagnostic techniques, such as CT scans, MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), have improved early detection. However, most cases are still diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting treatment options. “EUS remains a critical tool for identifying pancreatic cancer in high-risk individuals,” explained Dr. Jaya Agarwal, Assistant Professor, GI Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant.

The hospital calls for increased public awareness of the disease’s risk factors and preventive measures to address the rising prevalence effectively.