Pancreatic Cancer

Overview

The pancreas is an organ behind your stomach that helps you digest food and keeps your blood sugar at a healthy level. Pancreatic cancer happens when cells in the pancreas grow out of control and form a lump or tumor.

No. Pancreatic cancer is less common than many other cancers, but it is one of the more challenging types to treat. It affects around 1 in 9,000 to 10,000 people per year, though this can vary by country.

Pancreatic cancer most often affects older adults, usually over age 65. It can happen at any age, but it is rare before age 45. Smoking, obesity, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, and a family history of pancreatic cancer can increase risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine or pale, greasy stools that float
• Pain in the upper belly or middle of the back that may worsen after eating or when lying down
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling very tired
• Nausea or vomiting
• New or worsening diabetes without a clear cause

Symptoms in children

• Pancreatic cancer is extremely rare in children. If it happens, symptoms may include belly pain, yellow skin or eyes, weight loss, and poor appetite.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may notice vague symptoms such as tiredness, weight loss, poor appetite, and new digestion problems. These can be easy to dismiss as normal aging, so it is important to get them checked if they persist.

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause is usually not known.
• Pancreatic cancer starts when normal cells in the pancreas get damaged changes in their DNA, causing them to grow too quickly and crowd out healthy cells.
• Most cases are not directly inherited, and there is no single cause.

Risk factors

• Age over 65
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Long-term diabetes
• Chronic pancreatitis (long-term inflammation of the pancreas)
• Family history of pancreatic cancer
• Inherited gene changes linked to pancreatic cancer
• Heavy alcohol use over many years

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Yellowing of your skin or eyes
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• New, persistent pain in your belly or back

Book a routine appointment if:

• Digestive changes, such as greasy stools or diarrhea, lasting more than a few weeks
• Loss of appetite that does not get better
• Feeling unusually tired for no clear reason
• Nausea or vomiting that keeps coming back

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose pancreatic cancer by asking about your symptoms and health history, doing a physical exam, and running tests to look at the pancreas and surrounding area. If tests find a suspicious area, a small sample of tissue may be taken to confirm the diagnosis.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check liver function, blood sugar, and certain markers
• Imaging scans such as CT, MRI, or ultrasound
• Endoscopic ultrasound, where a thin tube with a camera is passed into your stomach to see the pancreas closely
• A biopsy, where a tiny sample of tissue is removed and checked under a microscope

What to expect at your appointment

You will likely need several tests over a few weeks. These tests help your care team understand whether a tumor is present, where it is, and whether it has spread. It is normal to feel anxious while waiting. Ask your doctor or nurse what will happen next and whether you can speak with a support person or specialist.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, where it is in the pancreas, and your overall health. Your care team will talk with you about the options and put together a plan that aims to control the cancer, manage symptoms, and protect your quality of life.

Self-care at home

• Keep a symptom diary to share with your care team.
• Ask friends or family for help with meals, transport, and daily tasks.
• Rest when you need to, but try to stay as active as you comfortably can.
• Talk with your doctor about managing pain, nausea, tiredness, or other symptoms.

Medical treatments

Medical treatment may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or treatments that target specific changes in cancer cells. Some people receive a combination of these. Your cancer team will explain what each treatment involves and what side effects to expect. They will never start a treatment without discussing it with you first.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be possible if the cancer is found early and has not spread too far. The type of operation depends on the size and location of the tumor. Your surgeon will explain the procedure, recovery time, and any risks so you can decide together what is best.

Living with this condition

Living with pancreatic cancer often means adjusting your daily routine to match your energy and symptoms. Work with your care team to find ways to stay comfortable, maintain independence, and do the activities that matter most to you.

Lifestyle tips

• If you smoke, talk to your doctor about support to quit.
• Limit alcohol, especially if you have conditions affected by drinking.
• Set small, realistic goals for each day.
• Accept offers of help and let others support you.

Diet and exercise

Try to eat small, frequent meals that are high in protein and calories if you are losing weight. Drink plenty of fluids. A dietitian can help you choose foods that are easier to digest. Gentle walks, stretching, or light movement may help maintain strength and boost mood, as long as you listen to your body and rest when needed.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A cancer diagnosis can bring shock, fear, sadness, and stress. These feelings are completely normal. You do not have to manage them alone. Speak with your care team about counselling, psychology services, or support groups. Connecting with others who understand can be a great comfort.

Prevention

It is not usually possible to prevent pancreatic cancer completely, but you can lower your risk by not smoking, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and managing conditions like diabetes. No prevention method is guaranteed, so regular check-ups with your doctor are still important.

Vaccines

There is currently no vaccine to prevent pancreatic cancer.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for pancreatic cancer in people at average risk. If you have a strong family history of pancreatic cancer, your doctor may discuss extra monitoring or genetic testing with you.

Complications

If left untreated

• Blockage of the bile duct, which can cause jaundice and infection
• Severe weight loss and malnutrition
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Bowel obstruction
• Severe, difficult-to-control pain
• Spread of cancer to the liver, lungs, or other organs
• Worsening diabetes

Long-term outlook

A pancreatic cancer diagnosis is serious, and the path ahead can feel overwhelming. But outcomes depend on many factors, including how early the cancer is found, its type, and your overall health. Treatments are improving, and many people manage the disease with a good quality of life. Your care team is there to help you live as well as possible, not just to treat the illness.

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