THEpancreatic cancer it is one of the most serious neoplasmswith a poor prognosis. According to the guidelines AIOM published in 2024, exocrine pancreatic carcinoma is one of the top five causes of death for cancer in Italy. Precisely for this reason it is even more important to prevent. November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Monthidentified by the purple ribbon. Let’s find out what progress has been made and what the Pancreas Units are.
Pancreatic cancer in Italy
The pancreas is an organ that it is located between the stomach and the spine and is shaped like a pear, with a head, a body and a tail. It performs an exocrine function, that is produces the enzymes necessary for digestion of fats, starches, proteins, and an endocrine function, since it also produces several hormones, including insulin necessary to regulate blood sugar levels. According to data fromHigher Institute of Health“In Italy, approximately 13,000 people are affected by pancreatic cancer every year without significant differences between males and females. According to the 2016 Cancer Registry, in fact, every year 6500 cases occur among males and 7000 among females. It’s a tumor uncommon under 40 years of age and about half of new cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 75.”
Pancreas Unit: what they are
Italy has recently accomplished a big step forward in the care of patients with pancreatic pathologiesthanks to the implementation of the Pancreas Unit network. These are specialized and connected centers according to a multidisciplinary model, which aims to improve clinical outcomes and guarantee equal access to care throughout the national territory. A result that is the result of years of work carried out by scientific societies, patient protection associations and healthcare professionals, and today represents a strategic turning point for public health.
«This model bases its strength on the real integration between specialists: gastroenterologists, endoscopists, surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nutritionists and palliative care specialists. It is the perfect synthesis between quality, proximity and sustainability of care», he underlines Luca FrulloniPresident of Italian Society of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy (SIGE).
Pancreas Unit: why they are needed
Pancreatic cancer is among the most aggressive tumors. Estimates indicate that by 2030 it could become the second leading cause of cancer death in Europe. Even benign forms, such as acute and chronic pancreatitis, cystic lesions and neoplasms with low malignant potential, require continuous and highly specialized care. According to recent studies, treating patients in centers with high volume and multidisciplinary experience significantly reduces mortality post-operative and improves the effectiveness of treatments. In Italy, however, too many operations are still performed in low-volume facilities, with a consequent increase in clinical risk and healthcare costs. In short, the Pancreas Units are a great opportunity for the Italian healthcare system. They are a model that combines clinical effectiveness, organizational sustainability and territorial proximity, based on data, experience and patient centrality. A concrete response to one of the most complex challenges of contemporary medicine.