Cancer is scary. Even though there are screening methods and treatments that have been proven to save lives, there are some cancers that are deadly. These cancers most often cause death within five years of diagnosis.
The most deadly form of cancer is pancreatic cancer. Just about 7 percent of those diagnosed survive. The pancreas is an organ that is shaped like a finger that is nestled behind the stomach. It helps digestion and hormone secretion. Diabetes, stomach problems, and cirrhosis of the liver are greater risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer. A family history of pancreatic cancer is also a potential risk factor for you developing it. There have been new tests recently that are able to help with the early detection of this type of cancer, but it is incredibly hard to diagnose. It is usually not diagnosed until it has already spread to other organs, which is a leading factor in the death rate associated with it.
Cancer of the liver and bile ducts is another deadly cancer. It has a slightly more than 17 percent survival rate beyond five years after diagnosis. The liver is the largest internal organ, and it sits right below the right lung. It helps break down food that is eaten and pull out nutrients. Heavy alcohol use can really abuse the liver and can be a risk factor for liver cancer. There are some signs of liver cancer which include a feeling of fullness even when eating something small and significant weight loss. These symptoms could indicate something else, so they are not always indicators of cancer.
Another deadly cancer that is not often talked about is mesothelioma. This cancer has roughly a 9 percent survival rate within five years of diagnosis. There is a thin layer of tissue called the mesothelium that is wrapped around the lungs, heart, and other organs. Mesothelioma is cancer of this lining of tissue. Most of the mesothelioma cases are connected to exposure to asbestos. Those that work in construction, plumbing, or other building trades have a risk of exposure and therefore a risk of this cancer. Some symptoms do include pain in the abdomen, chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling of the abdomen. The symptoms correlate directly to where the cancer is located. Because mesothelioma is not given much attention, those suffering from it may feel like they do not have enough support. The surviving families may find themselves at a loss for dealing with medical bills. There may be some way for the families to access the resources they need by getting a payout from the mesothelioma trust funds.
