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FAQs
1 The Pancreas
2 Pancreatic Cancer
3 Causes of PC
4 Heredity
5 Risk Factors
6 Diagnosis
7 Metastasis
8 Staging
9 Questions to ask
10 Surgical Treatment
11 Medical Treatment
12 Vaccine
13 Symptoms & Side Effects
14 Screening
15 Pain Management
16 Diet & Exercise
17 Final Stages & Hospice


16) How are diet & exercise affected? 

It is very difficult for pancreatic cancer patients to maintain weight for several reasons. Many patients lose their appetite and the normal taste of food as a result of byproducts released from the cancer. Even the food that is eaten may not always be digested well because the pancreas is not working properly. If the pancreatic duct is obstructed or after surgery, the pancreas may not release sufficient amounts of pancreatic enzymes.Therefore some patients will benefit from taking pancreatic enzymes.

Unfortunately, the problems with weight do not end there. The majority of patients with pancreatic cancer will still lose weight even if they are eating and digesting their food sufficiently. Many pancreas cancers (and other cancers) release compounds into the blood that breakdown muscle and fat (causing cachexia). So that over time patients will find they are not only slimmer but their muscles are smaller and they become progressively more fatigued.

Pancan.org has published a very informative Diet and Nutrition booklet. You can review this booklet and recipe suggestions on their website. Click here

Additional information related to diet & exercise:
More on Nutrition
More on Physical Activity
Post-Surgery Diet Tips
Exercise After Surgery

Fish Oil As an oral nutritional supplement for cancer-related weight loss. A summary of very interesting study results presented at the recent Pancreatic cancer think tank meeting in Utah (Sept 1999).




     
 

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This site is supported by generous educational grants from the Vesalius Trust

Disclaimer: No two patients with pancreas cancer are identical. The appropriate treatment of individual patients with pancreatic cancer varies greatly depending on the patient's medical and surgical history. The information expressed in this Web page is not medical advice. It is meant only to educate health care professionals and patients about the current status of treatment and research in pancreas cancer at Hopkins. Before making any medical decisions, patients with pancreatic cancer are advised to consult with their personal physicians.