Excess of coffee can lead to pancreatic cancer, claims expert

Varanasi, Dec 29 (UNI) Excessive intake of coffee, besides unchecked alcohol and tobacco consumption are major causes of chronic pancreatitis that is the fountainhead of pancreatic cancer -- sixth most common cancer in the country -- a leading pancreatic surgeon from Kochi said here today.

''Curbing excessive intake of coffee besides tobacco and alcohol consumption can limit the risk of chronic pancreatitis that may snowball into pancreatic cancer, 27,000 new cases of which are reported in US annually,'' H Ramesh, Chief Surgeon and Associate Director at Digestive Disease Centre in Kochi told newspersons here today.

Dr Ramesh is here to attend ASICON-2006, the ongoing national conference of Association of Surgeons of India (ASI) at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

He, however, said that genetic structure disorder is a prominent cause behind the disease in India and efforts were on at the Kochi centre to devise gene-based therapy to block the passage of chronic pancreatitis to pancreatic cancer.

''Your pancreas is a large gland behind your stomach and close to your duodenum. The pancreas secretes powerful digestive enzymes that enter the small intestine through a duct. These enzymes help you digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones play an important part in metabolizing sugar,'' Dr Ramesh said.

Chronic Pancreatitis is a rare disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. Damage to the gland occurs when digestive enzymes are activated and begin attacking the pancreas. In severe cases, there may be bleeding into the gland, serious tissue damage, infection and cysts, he added.

An estimated ten per cent cases of chronic pancreatitis risk snowballing into cancer of pancreas if left undiagnosed or not treated properly, Dr Ramesh said, adding, that both conventional as well as laproscopic surgeries can be done to cure chronic pancreatitis.

''Though this surgery is one of the most complex operations, with a mortality rate of five per cent, if the infected head, body or tail of pancreas is removed surgically and the remaining pancreas put back in perfect shape then the patient can easily relish Biryani or play football with consummate ease.'' About the earliest symptoms of the disease more common among males, Dr Ramesh said that loss of appetite, weight and sleep are the earliest warning signs when an individual must rush to a qualified physician for proper check up.

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