Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in the pancreas, a gland that produces digestive juices and hormones.

The symptoms of pancreatic cancer include pain in the stomach area or back, yellowing of the skin or whites of your eyes (jaundice), and weight loss. 

Some lifestyle factors, inherited cancer syndromes and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Find out about seeing your GP and when they might refer you to a specialist. Get information on the tests you might have to help diagnose pancreatic cancer. 

Stage means the size of the cancer and whether it has spread. Type means the type of cell it started from. Grade means how abnormal the cells look.

Your treatment depends on the position of the cancer in the pancreas, how big it is, whether it has spread, and your general health.

Get support to cope during and after pancreatic cancer treatment, including information about diet.

Find out about the latest UK research looking at pancreatic cancer, as well as how you can take part in clinical trials.

Advanced pancreatic cancer means the cancer has spread outside the pancreas to other areas of the body. Find out about treatment to help control the cancer, relieve symptoms, and where to get support.

Survival depends on many factors including the stage and type of your cancer. These figures for pancreatic cancer survival can only be used as a general guide.

Find out about organisations, support groups, books, videos and other resources to help you cope with pancreatic cancer and its treatment.