Dr Kamath on the Rise in Incidence of Pancreatic Cancer

“[Pancreatic cancer] is a difficult one as far as screening and detection is concerned. There’s no predefined screening for an average-risk person... There is no well-studied, recommended screening strategy.”

Suneel Kamath, MD, assistant professor, medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, discusses the rising incidence of pancreatic cancer during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest malignancies, with annual incidence rising by approximately 1% over the past 2 decades, Kamath begins. This seemingly modest increase translates into a significant escalation in cases, growing from 40,000 to 50,000 diagnoses annually in the early 2000s to approximately 67,000 cases projected in 2024, according to Kamath. Unlike many cancers, this rise is not attributed to well-established modifiable risk factors, making its cause more elusive and concerning, he reports.

Although smoking and alcohol consumption have some association with pancreatic cancer, they are not strongly correlated, Kamath continues. Obesity, however, is a recognized risk factor, he says. Approximately 70% of the United States population isnow classified as overweight or obese, which likely contributes to the increasing incidence, he explains, adding that nevertheless, other unidentified factors may also play a role, underscoring the complexity of this disease.

Screening for pancreatic cancer remains a challenge, as no standardized or widely recommended strategy exists for the general population, Kamath continues. This stands in contrast to cancers such as breast or colon cancer, where well-defined guidelines ensure early detection, he notes. Advances have been made, however, in identifying high-risk individuals through genetic testing and monitoring of precursor lesions, such as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, he emphasizes. Specialized clinics, often led by gastroenterologists, now track these individuals using imaging every 6 to 12 months, he adds. This proactive approach allows for the detection of cancer in its early, potentially curable stages, Kamath says. Expanding germline genetic testing and refining high-risk screening protocols offer hope for earlier detection and possibly even prevention, marking a critical step forward in managing this challenging disease, he concludes.