HOUSTON – Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has revealed that she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

SEE ALSO: ‘I stand in faith:’ Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announces pancreatic cancer diagnosis

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease that affects the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. Tragically, it is also known for its aggressive nature and low survival rates.

Key facts about pancreatic cancer, according to the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute:

1. Rarity: Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare compared to other types of cancer. However, it carries a disproportionately high mortality rate, making it one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

2. Silent Killer: Pancreatic cancer often goes undetected in its early stages due to the lack of specific symptoms. This leads to delayed diagnosis and limits treatment options.

3. Low Survival Rates: The overall survival rate for pancreatic cancer is alarmingly low, with only about 10% of patients surviving beyond five years after diagnosis. This is primarily due to late-stage detection and the aggressive nature of the disease.

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4. Risk Factors: Several risk factors have been associated with pancreatic cancer, including age, smoking, obesity, family history, and certain inherited conditions. However, the exact cause of most pancreatic cancers remains unclear.

5. Symptoms: Common symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, loss of appetite, and digestive problems. However, these symptoms can be vague and easily attributed to other conditions, making early detection challenging.

While pancreatic cancer presents significant challenges, increased awareness, early detection, and advancements in treatment hold the potential to improve outcomes and save lives.

KPRC 2 Health Reporter Haley Hernandez spoke with Dr. Priya Ramshesh of Houston Methodist Hospital and Dr. Nirav C. Thosani from UT Health about the disease.

According to statistics, pancreatic cancer is still rare even though we’ve been hearing about other notable people recently being diagnosed with it like Jerry Springer, Alex Trebek, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Another fact about pancreatic cancer is that non-Hispanic, Black people are more likely to be diagnosed with it.

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Pancreatic cancer is often deadly because it’s caught in the later stages. Also, patients typically do not get screened for this type of cancer.

This kind of cancer often blindsides most patients as many confuse the symptoms for simple indigestion.

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Doctors say diagnosing pancreatic cancer at stage one increases the five-year survival rate by about 49%.

Dr. Thosani says that the BRCA gene, frequently found in women concerned about breast or ovarian cancer, can also determine a potentially higher risk for pancreatic cancer.

Back in 2011, the congresswoman was diagnosed with breast cancer.

SEE ALSO: Sheila Jackson Lee battled breast cancer

At the time, she stated that she had to experience surgeries, undergo chemotherapy radiation, and had significant loss of hair.

A year later, she announced that she had finished her last round of treatments and was declared cancer-free.

Remember, if you or someone you know experiences persistent symptoms of pancreatic cancer, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly for proper evaluation and diagnosis.