Pancreatic cancer is a serious and often deadly type of cancer that begins in the tissues of the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach. The pancreas aids digestion by producing enzymes that help break down food and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.
Pancreatic cancer typically begins in the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas and can spread quickly to nearby organs and tissues. Because doctors rarely detect it until an advanced stage, pancreatic cancer has a lower survival rate compared to other types of cancer.
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Understanding Pancreatic Cancer
There are two main types of pancreatic cancer: exocrine and endocrine. The most common type, exocrine pancreatic cancer, accounts for about 95% of cases and usually develops in the pancreatic ducts.
Endocrine pancreatic cancer, also known as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs), is less common and begins in the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can vary depending on the tumor's location, size, and type, but common symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, back pain, loss of appetite, and digestive issues.
Because these symptoms are often subtle or attributed to other conditions, pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose early.
Potential Causes of Pancreatic Cancer
The exact cause of pancreatic cancer remains unknown, but several risk factors include:
- Age: Most cases occur in people over the age of 60.
- Family History: A family history of pancreatic cancer or other cancers may increase the risk.
- Smoking: Smokers are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than non-smokers.
- Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas, often associated with heavy alcohol use or genetic conditions, can increase risk.
- Diabetes: There is a noted association between diabetes and pancreatic cancer, although doctors don’t know whether diabetes causes pancreatic cancer or is a symptom of it.
- Exposure to Toxic Environments
Environmental and Chemical Exposures
Recent research has uncovered links between pancreatic cancer and exposure to certain chemicals and environmental factors. Some of these exposures have become the subject of legal action due to their potential role in causing this deadly disease.
The Link Between NDMA in Zantac and Pancreatic Cancer
NDMA is a potent carcinogen that has been found in certain medications, including Zantac (ranitidine) and Valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to NDMA can lead to cancer, including pancreatic cancer.
Zantac, a widely used heartburn medication, was recalled in 2020 after it was discovered that it could produce NDMA when stored at higher-than-recommended temperatures or after prolonged periods.
The presence of NDMA in Zantac raised concerns that individuals who took the medication over long periods were exposed to levels of this carcinogen that could increase their risk of developing cancer, including pancreatic cancer.
While research is ongoing, the association between NDMA in Zantac and pancreatic cancer has been strong enough to prompt numerous Zantac lawsuits from affected patients seeking compensation for their injuries.
NDMA in Valsartan and Pancreatic Cancer Risks
Like Zantac, Valsartan, and other related medications were recalled after some batches were contaminated with NDMA. The contamination occurred during the manufacturing process, where improper practices led to the unintended formation of NDMA.
Patients who took these contaminated medications for extended periods may have unknowingly consumed high levels of NDMA, increasing their risk of pancreatic cancer.
Individuals who developed pancreatic cancer after taking contaminated Valsartan are now filing Valsartan lawsuits, claiming that pharmaceutical companies failed to ensure the safety of their products and properly warn consumers of potential risks.
AFFF Exposure and Pancreatic Cancer
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a type of firefighting foam widely used by military and civilian firefighters to extinguish flammable liquid fires, such as oil or gasoline fires. AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of chemicals linked to various cancers, including pancreatic cancer.
PFAS are known as forever chemicals because they do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time. Studies have suggested that prolonged exposure to PFAS in AFFF, particularly for firefighters and military personnel, increases the risk of developing cancers, including pancreatic cancer.
The Department of Defense (DoD) and various regulatory bodies have recognized the dangers of PFAS exposure, and AFFF lawsuits have been filed by individuals who have developed cancer after being exposed to AFFF.
Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune and Pancreatic Cancer
Another significant risk factor for pancreatic cancer is exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the water supply at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with several harmful chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals may cause various health conditions, including pancreatic cancer.
Marines, their families, and civilian workers who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during this time may have been exposed to these carcinogens through drinking water, leading to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer and other serious illnesses.
Many affected individuals have filed Camp Lejeune lawsuits, claiming that the U.S. government failed to prevent the contamination and adequately warn those living and working at the base of the potential dangers.
Seeking Legal Help for Pancreatic Cancer Linked to Dangerous Products
The links between these environmental and chemical exposures and pancreatic cancer have significant legal implications.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and believe it may be linked to dangerous drugs, consumer products, or environmental exposure, hire a lawyer to explain your legal rights.
At Lawsuit Legal News, we provide comprehensive information on how these products and exposures could be linked to pancreatic cancer, and we can connect you with experienced legal professionals who can evaluate your case.
If you suspect that a product, medication, or environmental exposure is responsible for your cancer, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact us today at 866-535-9515 or complete our simple online form for a free consultation to learn more about your options and get the legal support you need to fight for justice.