Pankaj Udhas suffered from pancreatic cancer, all about the disease

Legendary ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas passed away on Monday reportedly after battling pancreatic cancer for many months. Pancreatic cancer develops due to uncontrolled cell growth in pancreas, the gland which is located in abdomen and plays an important role in digestion and regulating blood sugar.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include jaundice and abdomen or back pain, however, one may these might not appear until the later stages. Pancreatic cancer may have risk factors like smoking, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, and family history.

There is a greater risk of succumbing to pancreatic cancer because the disease is difficult to diagnose in the early stages. ( Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas’ last rites will be held today, says daughter Nayaab Udhas)

What is pancreatic cancer?

“Pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant (cancerous) cells in your pancreas change and grow out of control, forming a tumour. Your pancreas is a 6-inch-long, spongy, tube-shaped organ stationed between your spine and stomach.

Its main function is to make digestive juices (known as enzymes) and hormones including insulin that play a key role in keeping blood-sugar levels, starches and enzymes in check aiding in digestion. Most pancreatic cancers develop in the ducts of your pancreas.

It’s hard to detect and treat pancreatic cancer at an early stage. Hence this type of cancer turns fatal because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited. Early detection and treatment is key,” says Dr. Bir Singh Sehrawat, Director and HOD-Gastroenterology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad.

“Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and deadly cancers, affecting more than 4 lakh people in India every year. It occurs when abnormal cells grow in the pancreas, an organ that produces enzymes for digestion and hormones for metabolism.

Pancreatic cancer often does not cause symptoms until it reaches advanced stages, making it difficult to diagnose and treat,” says Dr Pushpak Chirmade, Consultant, Medical Oncology at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Navi Mumbai.