All cancer is bad news, but what makes pancreatic cancer so awful is that only 5% of people diagnosed with it will live another 5 years.
There are no recommended screening tests, early warning signs or symptoms to alert a person or their doctor that they have pancreatic cancer.
Some risk factors that could make you more susceptible to pancreatic cancer include cigarette smoking and possibly diabetes and obesity.
Oddly enough, periodontal disease (gum inflammation) and tooth loss may also be associated in some way with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
The connection it seems is that over time, the bacterial infection that causes gum disease can also cause loss of the bone that anchors the teeth. The inflammation from the infection may set the stage for other serious diseases, like pancreatic cancer.
There has also been recent interest in a possible link between gum disease and coronary artery disease, based on the theory that gum disease may lead to increased levels of inflammation throughout our bodies.
Fit's Tips: So take care of your teeth and gums people. Get regular dental cleanings twice a year, and whatever you do - don't forget to floss.