What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow in an uncontrolled way.
The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach. It helps digest food and control blood sugar levels. Most cells in the pancreas are exocrine cells, which produce enzymes to help digest food. The other cells are endocrine cells, which produce hormones such as insulin to help control blood sugar levels.
Pancreatic cancer is among the 10 most common cancers in both men and women in Australia.
Pancreatic cancer primarily affects exocrine cells, but less commonly can develop in endocrine cells, leading to exocrine and endocrine types with distinct characteristics and outcomes.
Explore statistics on pancreatic cancer, including the number of new cases, deaths, survival rates, and overall prevalence.
The risk of developing pancreatic cancer is increased by various factors, including smoking, obesity, exposure to certain chemicals, age, gender, family history, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain genetic conditions.
People with pancreatic cancer often have no symptoms until the cancer has spread (metastasised) to other organs. Exocrine and endocrine pancreatic cancers often have different symptoms.
There are no recommended screening tests for pancreatic cancer for people who are at average risk.
Multiple tests, including imaging scans, blood tests, and biopsies, can be used to diagnose pancreatic cancer and determine its stage, which helps guide treatment planning.
Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the type, stage, location, and severity of the cancer, and may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or supportive care.
Living with cancer can be challenging, but you can find support from family, friends, health professionals, and cancer support organizations to help you cope with the emotional, physical, and practical issues related to your diagnosis.
Research is ongoing to find new ways to diagnose and treat different types of cancer.
Details for professionals seeking comprehensive information on pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Last updated 27 September 2024
