Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer signs and symptoms

Early-stage pancreatic cancer rarely causes symptoms. Symptoms often only appear once the cancer is large enough to affect nearby organs, or has spread.

Symptoms can include:

• pain in the abdomen

• loss of appetite

• nausea and vomiting

• weight loss

• change in bowel habit including diarrhoea, constipation or the feeling of incomplete emptying

• jaundice (yellowish skin and eyes, and dark urine).

Less common signs include:

• severe back pain
• onset of diabetes (10-20% of people with pancreatic cancer develop diabetes).

Causes of pancreatic cancer

Some factors that can increase your risk of pancreatic cancer include:

• smoking tobacco

• age - most cases occur in adults over the age of 60

• diabetes, particularly newly diagnosed diabetes

• a family history of pancreatic, ovarian or colon cancer

• chronic pancreatitis

• excessive alcohol consumption

• obesity

Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

Tests to diagnose pancreatic cancer include:

The tests you have will depend on the symptoms, type and stage of the cancer.

After a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you may feel shocked, upset, anxious or confused. These are normal responses. A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer affects each person differently. For most it will be a difficult time, however some people manage to continue with their normal daily activities.

You may find it helpful to talk about your treatment options with your doctors, family and friends. Ask questions and seek as much information as you feel you need. It is up to you as to how involved you want to be in making decisions about your treatment.

Learn more about best pancreatic cancer care:

What should happen next?

This resource can help guide you and your loved ones after your diagnosis. 

Guide to best care for pancreatic cancer

Treatment for pancreatic cancer

Treatment Team

• GP (General Practitioner) -

  looks after your general health and works with your specialists to coordinate treatment.

• Gastroenterologist -

  specialises in diseases of the digestive system.

• Endocrinologist -

  specialises in diagnosing and treating disorders of the endocrine (hormonal) system.

• Pancreatic surgeon -

  specialises in surgery to the liver and pancreas.

• Radiation oncologist -

  prescribes and coordinates radiation therapy treatment.

• Medical oncologist -

  prescribes and coordinates the course of chemotherapy.

• Cancer nurse -

  assists with treatment and provides information and support throughout your treatment.

• Other allied health professionals -

  such as social workers, pharmacists, and counsellors

Screening for pancreatic cancer

There is currently no national screening program for pancreatic cancer available in Australia.

Preventing pancreatic cancer

People with certain risk factors are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. Not smoking or quitting smoking reduces your risk. Smokers are two to three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

Other known risk factors are listed above.

Prognosis for pancreatic cancer

Prognosis means the expected outcome of a disease. You will need to discuss your prognosis and treatment options with your doctor, but it is impossible for any doctor to predict the exact course of your disease. Test results, the type, stage and location of the cancer; and other factors such as your age, fitness and medical history are all important when working out your prognosis.

Most pancreatic cancers are not found until they are advanced as symptoms can be vague or go unnoticed. If the cancer is diagnosed early and can be surgically removed, the prognosis can be better.