The pancreas is a gland in the abdomen that makes enzymes for digestion and hormones that control sugar levels in the blood. Benign or malignant tumors may form if the process of cellular division in this gland breaks down. Malignant tumors of the pancreas are called pancreatic cancer.
More than 60,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021. That is 166 people diagnosed every day.
Pancreatic cancer is the 11th most diagnosed cancer in the U.S.

Symptoms
- Jaundice
- Belly or back pain
- Weight loss and poor appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gallbladder or liver enlargement
- Blood clots
- Diabetes

Causes
Pancreatic cancer is fundamentally a disease caused by damage (or “mutations”) to the DNA. These DNA mutations can occur in one of three ways: they can be inherited, they can be caused by behaviors such as smoking, or they can occur by chance.
Management
Depending on the type and stage of the cancer and other factors, treatment options for people with pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer can include natural therapies. At Science Based Wellness we offer diet, lifestyle, and natural supplementation as part of our cancer management plan.
Supplements
If you have a health problem that affects the pancreas, talk to your healthcare provider about pancreatic supplements. Natural supplements that help pancreatic function are:
- Digestive Enzymes
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Bromelain
- Selenium
Some of them may help ease symptoms and others can help treat nutritional deficiencies that may develop because of your condition. Any nutrients you lack can be determined through blood testing. To learn more about our nutritional testing click here.
It may sometimes be possible to increase the level of a nutrient in your blood easily by changing your eating habits.
Until next time, stay healthy!
Dr. Steven Nickels, DC, NMD, DACBN, DCBCN