Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is cancer that begins in the pancreas, an organ behind the stomach. The pancreas helps your body in two main ways:

• Digestive function: makes enzymes to digest food
• Hormone function: helps control blood sugar (insulin)

Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect early because symptoms may be mild at first. Early medical attention for ongoing or unusual symptoms is important.

Pancreatic cancer may block the bile duct or affect digestion and weight. It can also affect blood sugar control. Timely diagnosis helps doctors plan the best treatment options.

Common symptoms

Early symptoms may be unclear. Possible symptoms include:

Digestive and belly symptoms

• Upper belly pain (often spreading to the back)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or indigestion
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling full quickly

Jaundice-related symptoms (common when the bile duct is blocked)

• Yellow eyes/skin (jaundice)
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Itching

Other possible signs

• New diabetes or sudden worsening of diabetes control
• Unusual tiredness and weakness

Risk factors

Pancreatic cancer risk may be higher with:

• Increasing age
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Long-term diabetes
• Chronic pancreatitis (long-term pancreas inflammation)
• Obesity and low physical activity
• Family history of pancreatic cancer (in some cases)
• Certain inherited conditions (rare)

Diagnosis

Doctors may use a combination of tests to confirm the disease and understand the stage.

Common tests

• Blood tests (including liver tests if jaundice is present)
• Imaging: ultrasound, CT scan, MRI
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in selected cases
• ERCP if bile duct blockage needs evaluation or stent placement
• Biopsy (tissue sample) to confirm cancer type

Treatment

Treatment depends on cancer stage, location, and overall health.

Surgery (when possible)

If the cancer is found early and removable, surgery may be advised.

Chemotherapy

Used before surgery, after surgery, or for advanced disease to control growth and spread.

Radiation therapy

Used in selected cases, sometimes with chemotherapy.

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy

Used in selected patients based on tumor testing and the specialist's decision.

Supportive care

Helps manage symptoms and improve comfort, such as:

• Stent/drainage for bile duct blockage
• Pain control
• Nutrition and digestion support (enzymes in some cases)
• Nausea control and strength support

When to seek urgent medical help

Get medical help quickly if you have:

• Yellow eyes/skin with fever or chills (possible infection due to blockage)
• Severe belly pain with repeated vomiting
• Rapid worsening weakness, confusion, or fainting
• Black stools, vomiting blood, or bleeding that does not stop
• Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain

Specialists to consult

• Gastroenterologist
• Surgical oncologist / hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgeon
• Medical oncologist
• Radiation oncologist (if needed)
• Nutrition and supportive care team

Explore Pancreatic Cancer Care

This category includes medicines used for pancreatic cancer treatment and supportive care, selected as part of a specialist-led treatment plan.