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Pancreatic Cancer

Learn more about symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.

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What is it?

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the pancreas. Most often, pancreatic cancer starts in the ducts that carry pancreatic enzymes, also referred to as exocrine pancreatic cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 43,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Jaundice
  • Weight loss

When to see a doctor

If you’re worried about your symptoms or if they persist, it’s time to see a doctor. Screening for pancreatic cancer is not routine. It requires the expertise of a doctor trained to evaluate and diagnose conditions affecting the pancreas.

Causes and risk factors

We don’t know what causes pancreatic cancer. Risk factors for developing it include:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Genetics: Family history of a first-degree relative with pancreatic cancer at a young age
  • Chronic inflammation of the pancreas, also called chronic pancreatitis
  • Obesity

Treatment options

If you have pancreatic cancer, treatment may include:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy

Testing

Your doctor can help you determine if you have pancreatic cancer through blood tests and other diagnostic procedures.

Prevention

If you’re in a genetic risk group or have a pancreatic cyst that requires regular monitoring, you may be able to prevent pancreatic cancer from developing with medical supervision or treatment.

Additional conditions

Hemochromatosis

Constipation

Diverticulitis