Breathing/Chest Problems Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive form of cancer and the statistics, although improving, are still very bleak. Around 90% of those who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer die from the illness, even when it is caught early – which is rare. The survival rate after five years is only around 3%. The only real positive in this is that the survival rate at ten years is almost the same, meaning that once you have been able to survive for five years, you will more than likely be given the all clear. The highest survival rate is found in younger people (between 15 and 39) and this is due to their generally good overall physical health. However, pancreatic cancer is incredibly rare in the under 40s and is actually only common in the over 60s.

What are Breathing/Chest Problems?

Breathing and chest problems occur when you experience such issues as shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma, palpitations and other issues. If you are having breathing or chest problems, it generally means that your lungs are not taking in enough oxygen. There are several ways to remedy breathing problems, depending on what the root cause is. Breathing problems, for example, are very common in the overweight and a carful diet plan could be prescribed.

How do Breathing/Chest Problems relate to Pancreatic Cancer?

Breathing and chest problems are very common in all forms of cancer, particularly in the more advanced stages. This is generally caused by the cancer spreading throughout the body and reaching the lungs. This happens usually in the later stages of pancreatic cancer and the outlook is very bleak at this point.

What are the Breathing/Chest Problems Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms?

If you experience breathing/chest problems pancreatic cancer symptoms, you will most likely notice:

Shortness of breath even without strenuous exercise
Wheezing
A feeling of having constricted lungs
Palpitations
Asthma
Sleep apnoea

Further Information about Breathing/Chest Problems Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

It is unlikely that you will initially present yourself to your GP with breathing or chest problems pancreatic cancer symptoms and be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. You will more than likely already have been diagnosed and you will have been given the prognosis of life expectancy.

Sleep apnoeas are very dangerous, as they mean that you forget to breathe whilst you are sleeping. You may be given a breathing mat to sleep on, that sounds an alarm if it detects that you have not been breathing for around thirty seconds.

If you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer symptoms and start to experience breathing/chest problems pancreatic cancer symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice immediately, even if you are not due for your regular check up yet. It is likely that this is indicative of your cancer spreading and it is very important that the medical team responsible for your care is aware of this development. It is likely that you will be prescribed inhalers and oxygen to help you with your breathing at this point.