Question to general practitioner Maarten: How can you detect pancreatic cancer in time?
Maarten Vasbinder lives in Isaan. His profession is general practitioner, a profession that he mainly practiced in Spain. On Thailandblog he answers questions from readers who live in Thailand.
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Dear Martin,
I am now 77 years old and according to my annual general check-up with blood analysis I am everywhere within the recommended limits ie in good health for my age (I don't drink and I don't smoke). My only problem, if I may call it that, is that I always have stomach problems when there are certain fats (especially palm oil) in my diet.
In recent years my friends have started to disappear mostly due to cancer and heart problems… but 5 of them have died of pancreatic cancer. One of them was Doctor of Medicine and Professor of Tropical Medicine.
My question is: how did those friends not see this coming in time and are there no preventive tests - such as PSA for prostate cancer - to detect pancreatic cancer in time?
Regards,
F.
*****
Dear F,
When you're 75, friends start falling apart.
There are tests for pancreatic cancer, but if they are positive, it is usually too late. So I wouldn't worry too much and just keep going.
You can, of course, have your stomach looked at, have ultrasounds and MRIs made and maybe they will find something. The result is anxiety and a lower quality of life.
For stomach complaints you can take omeprazole 20 mg before breakfast, but only in case of complaints.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maarten
Do you have a question for Maarten and do you live in Thailand? Send this to the editor: www.thailandblog.nl/contact/ It is important that you provide the correct information (see list at the top of the page).