India mourns the loss of an outstanding leader who was affectionately referred to as the “chief minister of commoners”. Manohar Parrikar, the Chief Minister of Goa, passed away on 17 March 2019. He was also the Defence Minister of India from 2014 to 2017. He died at the age of 63 in Panaji, from pancreatic cancer.

Understanding Cancer
Cancer is a term used when an unexpected, uncontrolled growth or division of abnormal cells takes place in any part of the body. This abnormal activity can occur anywhere in the body.

Pancreatic Cancer
In this case, the cells in the Pancreas increase uncontrollably and form a mass. Cancer has the ability to spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the bloodstream. Similarly, Pancreatic cancer may also spread to the nearby organs.

Symptoms There are certain signs that one should look out for with regard to pancreatic cancer. It is advisable as general precaution to go for a complete medical check up at least once every year. It will help your doctor in assessing the general well being of your body. The most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer are:

• Pain in the upper abdomen or back: This often starts in the abdomen like a stomach ache and spreads to the back. The pain can be slightly relieved by bending forward.
• The condition of Jaundice: In this condition, a yellow tint is developed in the whites of the eyes or skin. There might also be the possibility of passing dark yellow coloured urine.
• Unexplained weight loss: Any weight loss which is not associated with extensive exercising or diet control should be checked out.
• Depression
• Onset of diabetes
• Unexplained fatigue

The Pancreas
The pancreas is a small longish organ in the abdomen. It is right behind the stomach and is surrounded by the small intestine, liver, and spleen. It is situated in the upper left abdomen.

The role of the Pancreas
The Pancreas is essential for converting food into energy or fuel for the human body. The exocrine function of this organ is to produce pancreatic enzymes that aid digestion. The endocrine function is to produce hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.