Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer-associated death. It is currently the fourth highest cause of cancer death in developed countries.
Prevention of pancreatic cancer or early diagnosis at a curable stage is extremely difficult. This is due to the fact that in the early stages of disease patients rarely exhibit symptoms and the tumours do not display sensitive and specific markers to aid in its detection. Fewer than 20% of patients have surgically resectable disease and approximately 80% of patients will relapse after surgery and ultimately die of their disease.
Kevin Smith talks about oral cancer in primary care. Kevin is a head neck and thyroid surgeon at North Shore Hospital. He is a member of the Auckland head and neck cancer multi-disciplinary team and MercyAscot's head and neck service.
