Quincy Jones's cause of death revealed: What to know about pancreatic cancer, from symptoms to risk factors!

• The 28-time Grammy Award winner died earlier this month at 91, and was laid to rest this past Sunday.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

Quincy Jones died of pancreatic cancer on Nov. 3, according to a death certificate obtained by multiple media outlets. 

A cause of death for music legend Quincy Jones has been announced. According to a death certificate obtained by various outlets on Wednesday, the late award-winning producer and composer died of an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer.

There were no other contributing factors listed on the document. However, it stated Jones — who was age 91 — had living with cancer for years.

Jones, who worked with artists like Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson over the course of his career, died on Nov. 3 at his Bel Air, Calif. home surrounded by family. He was laid to rest this past Sunday in a private ceremony, but a larger memorial is being planned.

It's estimated that in 2024, there will be more than 7,000 Canadians diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Moreover, around 6,100 are expected to die from the disease this year. In Canada, only about 10 per cent of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive for at least five years after diagnosis.
What is pancreatic cancer?

The pancreas, a part of the digestive system, is a pear-shaped gland located behind the stomach. Its duct connects the gland to the first part of the small intestine, which receives partially digested food from the stomach.

Pancreatic cancer forms when cells in the pancreas change and no longer behave normally, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. It most commonly starts in cells of the pancreatic duct.

It's said about 95 per cent of all cancerous tumours in the pancreas start in exocrine cells, which make and release juices that help with digestion. These cancers are called ductal adenocarcinomas.

The pancreas is located behind the stomach. 

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic Cancer Canada says the signs and symptoms of the cancerous tumour can be "confusing to both patients and health-care providers."

The signs can be vague, and commonly occur with other conditions. Generally, the symptoms can include:

• Pain in the upper abdomen or back
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Changes in stool colour
• Itchy skin
• Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
• Diabetes developed late in life
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea and constipation

According to Pancreatic Cancer Canada, those who experience one or more of these symptoms should talk to their health-care provider.

Abdominal and back pain are the common first signs of pancreatic cancer. 

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

Generally, a diagnosis for pancreatic cancer begins with a visit to your family doctor, who will ask about any symptoms you're experiencing and conduct a physical exam. Afterwards, they might send you to a specialist, or order more tests that might confirm pancreatic cancer or other health problems.

According to Mayo Clinic, there are a variety of tests that might be used to diagnose pancreatic cancer. These might include:

Imaging tests: This method will provide pictures of the inside of the body, and might be in the form of an ultrasound, CT scans, MRI scans and PET scans.

A scope with ultrasound: An endoscope, during a process called EUS, is inserted down the throat to the stomach, and an attached ultrasound device will use sound waves to create images of nearby tissues and the pancreas.

Removing a tissue sample for testing: A biopsy might be conducted to test tissue, which is often taken at the same as an EUS. This tissue is then sent to a lab for testing.

Blood tests: These tests might show proteins called tumour markers that pancreatic cancer cells make. Health-care providers often conduct this test during and after treatment to see how the cancer is responding.

Genetic tests: A blood or saliva sample might provide some insight into a patient's inherited DNA if they're diagnosed with pancreatic, thus hopefully informing their treatment plan.

A variety of tests, including blood tests or genetic testing, might be used to determine if you have pancreatic cancer. 

Who is at risk for pancreatic cancer?

Some risk factors for the cancer are "non-modifiable," according to Pancreatic Cancer Canada.

Men are slightly more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and the risk of cancer development increases by age. About 90 per cent of those who are diagnosed are aged 55 and up.

Chronic pancreatitis and long-standing diabetes can also increase a person's chances of developing pancreatic cancer. Family history can also have an impact, as Pancreatic Cancer Canada said between five and 10 per cent of pancreatic cancers result from hereditary factors.

Some factors, however, include habits and environmental factors that can be modified to reduce risk. These include:

• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Diet

Smokers are two-to-three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than non-smokers, according to the agency. A diet high in cholesterol, fried foods and red meat may increase risk of the cancer, while a diet high in fruits, vegetables and fibre may reduce risk.