Do I have pancreatic cancer?

Question

I'm really afraid of cancer because I watched my grandpa slowly and painfully die from it. I believe he had prostate cancer.
I was doing some research on cancers and learning how to prevent it and learned that pancreatic cancer is usualy always caught in a late stage and is untreatable. Are there any ways I can prevent pancreatic cancer, or any cancer for that fact, and some signs and symptoms of early stage? Also, how are some ways to get checked for it?
I don't smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or do any drugs. I have a mixed diet of high-fat foods and I eat fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods too. I am not overweight and I'm not sure if I have diabetes. Can smoking a few cigarettes and then stopping give you the same chance of getting cancer as someone who smokes all the time for years?

Lately I've been having abdominal pain, nausea, and weakness. I have panic disorder and I wonder if this may just be panic attacks or something. Sometimes I think being sick is just in my head and I'm crazy, and sometimes I wonder if it's true. Lately I've been depressed off and on (like happy one minute and hopeless the next) and during these times feel the symptoms I mentioned earlier, and sometimes feeling sick causes my depression.

Could somebody please give me any information they can about pancreatic cancer, preventing it, and anything about other cancers.
I'd also like to know some other things causing these symptoms and if it's possible for a white, 14 year old has a good chance for pancreatic cancer?

Does anyone have any suggestions on asking my mom to take me to the doctors. I've asked her before and she said that there's nothing wrong with me. Then again I only told her that I've been having panic attacks, but nothing else.

Answer 1

As someone who also suffers with anxiety I can tell you right now that this is the old hyperchondria/paranoia rearing its head.

You need to get your panic issues sorted out, or you'll work your way through every illness/disease there is, convincing yourself you have it. I did.

Stomach pains, nausea, weakness - all things that panic can cause. Go to a doctor, and not to find out if you have pancreatic cancer - to get some anti-anxiety meds and find out where you can get counselling, because you need it.

I know you came on here wanting to find out about pancreatic cancer, but believe me I totally recognise your train of thought. You're 14 and you're no more at risk from any form of cancer than anyone else. Smoking a few cigarettes does not give you anywhere near the same chance of getting cancer as proper addicts.

Just put all worries about cancer and the like out your head, and start tackling this anxiety problem, because it's the only problem you have here, but it's big enough to take over your life.

You don't have pancreatic cancer, and you're not going to get it. You do have a big anxiety problem.

Chalice

EDIT: One last important tip: DO NOT research illnesses. All that will happen is you'll convince yourself you've got them all. Don't read anything about any illnesses at all. If you're ever concerned about your health, go to a doctor for some rational advice, do not start scaring yourself.

Answer 2

You do not have pancreatic cancer.

You are not likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

Besides not smoking and living a healthy lifestyle there is little you can do to prevent pancreatic cancer or most other cancers.

I think that your grandfather's death greatly affected you and has led you to read about things that are causing you a great deal of worry. It is not normal for a 14 year old to worry about pancreatic cancer.

You show a great amount of insight as far as the true nature of the underlying problem - anxiety. I would strongly suggest showing your parents your question and then ask to see your pediatrician for a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist who can help you. Do this today - the sooner you get treatment the sooner you will feel better. If you let this problem go and do not do anything about it it will be much harder to deal with in the future.

Answer 3

You should really talk your fear over with your parents. No one here can tell you not to be concerned. Pancreatic cancer happens to be one of the diseases that can 'run in families'. It can be genetic. So it is very important to be aware.

Ten percent of pancreatic cancers are hereditary. Your family could possibily check with The National Familial Pancreas Tumor Registry to see if family members are at risk.

The National Familial Pancreas Tumor Registry
http://pathology.jhu.edu/pancreas/PartNFPTR.php

You see . . you are not being paranoid at all . . this is a real fear, but you can control it by educating yourself. The more you know the less anxious you will be. Talk to your parents as this could affect them also.

Stay strong. And, no, I do not think at this moment you have pancreatic cancer.

Answer 4

pancreatic cancer is usually an older person disease not to say you can get it. It's just rare in someone who is young and in good health. You should get annual physical from your doctor. Don't smoke, drink, or do drugs. Eat health like you do and the rest is up to God.
Pancreantitis you have severe abdominal pain nausea, vomiting, fever. You would feel so bad you would go to the hospital

Answer 5

Life expectancy is 85, so he has already exceeded that. The oldest living man is only 114, so with perfect health he might manage another 20 ears. However he has far from perfect health. When my cousin who was in the prime of his life was diagnosed with liver cancer at the age of 20, he survived less than a year His liver cancer is already stage 4 if it has spread to the pancreas, there is little treatment other than to make his remaining time comfortable.

Answer 6

if you think that you may have a serious problem like this then you should take a visit to your doctor!! Instead of asking perfect strangers!!
If you are really worried then maybe the doctor can ease your stress or give you some anxiety medication!!

Answer 7

PLEASE see your doctor. No one here can even begin to diagnose whatever it is that is causing your symptoms.