The survival rate for pancreatic cancer is calculated for each of its stages; generally, it is referred to as a five-year survival rate. The fourth stage of pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate, and the truth is that almost 54% of the cases are diagnosed at this stage. But here is one important thing: the survival rate of a patient also depends on the patients and how they receive the medical care. Every patient has a different attitude towards the disease, so some treatments that might work well for one patient, might not be that effective for the other patient. 

There are also a number of certain patients who far outlive this disease or even beat it. However still, overall, the survival rate of pancreatic cancer is very low compared to the other types of cancer, but yet gradually improved over the years. 

So, Why Is The Patient Survival Rate So Low? 

Pancreatic cancer does not cause any signs and symptoms during its initial stages, and this is the main reason for making it difficult for doctors to treat this cancer. Most of the patients come to doctors when they have often grown this cancer, or it is spread outside of the pancreas. In short, we can say that when a patient finds out about pancreatic cancer survivors, it is already in its fourth stage. The fourth stage of cancer is distinguished as 4A and 4B. 4A refers to the condition where it is spread to the blood vessels and organs near the pancreas. And 4B refers to where it is spread to the distant organs of the body. Both of the stages are hard to treat and painful for the patient. The only permanent treatment that is available for pancreatic cancer surgery, but in the fourth stage, surgery can also be deadly for the patient. So, alternative options are tried to treat it, but other treatments can only increase the patient's lifespan. 

Some symptoms that are usually seen on the later stage of pancreatic cancer are- 

• Abdominal pain that travels through the back 

• Jaundice. 

• Blood clots and Fatigue. 

• Itchy skin and dark-colored urine. 

• Light-colored stool.

• Diabetes 

One thing to note here is this: these symptoms can be caused by the other conditions too, so it is necessary not to confuse these symptoms with other conditions. 

Treatments That Are Available To Improve The Life Of The Patient At Stage IV- 

At the fourth stage, pancreatic cancer has spread to other organs of the patient, typically the liver or the lungs. At this stage, cancer can't be cured, but still, there are treatments that can improve the life of the patient. 

• Chemotherapy-

This treatment is given under the strict observance of the doctor to kill cancer cells or to stop spreading them. Doctors can use the pill method or intravenously through a vein to perform the treatment.

If the doctor decides, chemotherapy can also be combined with radiation to kill the cancer cells with high-energy rays. 

• Palliative Pain Treatment- 

Other than chemotherapy, some treatments can also be done to reduce the pain of the patient, such as bile duct surgery and bypass surgery.

A patient can also enroll in pancreatic cancer patient care to receive the proper medical treatment. 

Final Words- 

If you want to help a pancreatic cancer patient, you can donate to the I-PCC. I-PCC not only helps pancreatic cancer patients but also funds the ongoing research about the treatments and possible methods that can help a patient.