Overview
Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that begins in the pancreas. The most common type starts in the ducts that carry digestive juices. Because the pancreas is deep inside the body, early tumors may be hard to notice. Some pancreatic growths are not cancer, but any suspected tumor needs medical evaluation.
Key Symptoms
Possible symptoms include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, itching, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, and pain in the upper abdomen or back. Some people develop new diabetes or changes in blood sugar around the time the cancer is found. Tiredness and weakness are also common. These symptoms can happen with many other conditions too, but they should not be ignored.
Causes and Risk Factors
Pancreatic cancer develops when cells in the pancreas grow out of control. Risk is higher with smoking, increasing age, obesity, long-standing diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, and some inherited gene changes or family cancer syndromes. A family history of pancreatic cancer can also raise risk. Not everyone with risk factors gets pancreatic cancer, and some people who develop it have no clear risk factor.
Who Is Affected
Pancreatic cancer is more common in older adults than in younger people. It can affect people of any sex and in all regions of the world. People with certain inherited conditions, strong family history, or chronic pancreas problems may face higher risk. Access to specialist care can affect how quickly the disease is diagnosed and treated.
Prevention
There is no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatic cancer, but some steps may help lower risk. Not smoking is one of the most important actions. Maintaining a healthy body weight, staying physically active, and managing conditions such as diabetes with a healthcare professional may also help overall health. People with a strong family history or inherited cancer syndrome may benefit from discussing genetic counseling or screening programs with a specialist.
Diagnosis and Tests
Doctors may use blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound to look at the pancreas. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Imaging and other tests are also used to see whether the cancer has spread. Staging helps guide treatment decisions.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the type of pancreatic cancer, where it is located, whether it has spread, and the person's overall health. Main treatment categories include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy for some tumors, and supportive or palliative care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Some people receive a combination of treatments. Care is often provided by a team that may include cancer specialists, surgeons, nutrition professionals, and pain or symptom management experts.
Living With It
Living with pancreatic cancer can affect energy, appetite, digestion, mood, work, and family life. Ongoing communication with the care team can help address pain, nausea, emotional stress, and practical needs. Support from family, counseling, support groups, and palliative care services can be valuable at any stage of illness. It may help to keep a list of symptoms, medicines, and questions for appointments.
Diet and Lifestyle
Some people with pancreatic cancer have trouble digesting food, maintaining weight, or controlling blood sugar. Small frequent meals, hydration, and guidance from a dietitian can help support nutrition, but dietary needs vary from person to person. Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol can support overall health. Ask the care team before making major diet changes, especially if eating has become difficult.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care promptly for jaundice, ongoing upper abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting that keeps happening, pale stools, dark urine, or new major changes in blood sugar. Also seek care for worsening weakness, dehydration, or symptoms that interfere with eating or daily activities. Early assessment is important because these symptoms may signal a serious condition, including pancreatic cancer.