Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer makes up 18-19% of all GI cancer cases. Rates are rising most rapidly in young women. Pancreatic cancer is often caught in later stages, when it’s most aggressive and once it has spread to nearby organs. For this reason, it can be hard to treat.
What is pancreatic cancer?
The pancreas is about six inches long and located deep in the lower abdomen, between the stomach and intestines. Its main job is to create enzymes that help break down food. It also creates hormones that control blood sugar.
The pancreas has several sections: the wide area is called the head; the two middle sections are the neck and the body; the skinny left area is called the tail. Three main blood vessels run behind the pancreas.
Pancreatic cancer can form in the exocrine glands that break down food or in the endocrine glands that regulate hormones.
Types of pancreatic cancer
The majority of pancreatic cancers (over 90%) are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, also called pancreatic exocrine cancer. This cancer begins in the exocrine cells.
Adenocarcinomas begin in glands that line internal organs and make mucus and other fluids.
Around 8% of pancreatic cancer is caused by neuroendocrine tumors, also called pancreatic endocrine cancer or islet cell tumors. These form in the endocrine cells and are slower growing compared to adenocarcinomas.
Rare types of pancreatic cancer
There are many types of tumors that can grow in the pancreas. A few other very rare types of pancreatic cancer include acinar cell carcinoma, intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), and mucinous cystic neoplasm.
Staging pancreatic cancer
Staging helps you understand the size of your tumor, where the cancer is now, and the best treatment plan for your unique situation.
Pancreatic adenocarcinomas are staged on a scale from 0-4 (researchers use roman numerals 0-IV) based on the TNM staging system. In general:
- Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ): Cancer is in one spot and has not spread anywhere else.
- Stage 1: Cancer is confined to the inner layers of the pancreas.
- Stage 2: Cancer has grown outside the pancreas into nearby tissues and/or lymph nodes but not other organs.
- Stage 3: Cancer has grown into nearby arteries and possibly lymph nodes. Usually cannot be removed by surgery.
- Stage 4 (also called “metastatic”): Cancer has spread, possibly to the liver, lungs, abdomen, and possibly other organs; it may or may not be in lymph nodes. Cannot be removed by surgery.
What causes pancreatic cancer?
Risk factors put you at a higher risk of getting cancer. Some risk factors can be controlled with lifestyle changes, and others cannot. Older age, smoking, and obesity increase your risk of many cancers.
Just because you have a risk factor, that doesn’t mean you will get cancer.
These are scenarios researchers have found that can increase your risk:
- Pancreatitis
- Diabetes
- Certain inherited syndromes like Lynch syndrome, FAP, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome and cystic fibrosis; and certain inherited mutations in genes like BRCA, ATM, and PALB2.
- Family history of pancreatic cancer
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Gum disease and tooth loss
- Pancreatic cysts
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Preventing pancreatic cancer
There are not any known ways to prevent pancreatic cancer nor are there any approved screening or early detection tests.
Because 10% of pancreatic cancers are caused by inherited conditions, it’s important to know your family’s health history and if pancreatic cancer runs in your family. Your risk increases with the more cases in the family.
As with every cancer, there are steps you can take to adopt a healthy lifestyle and reduce your overall cancer risk, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and limiting or eliminating alcohol.
Learn more about cancer prevention from the American Institute for Cancer Research.
How common is pancreatic cancer?
The 2025 American Cancer Society estimated rates for pancreatic cancer in the United States:
About 67,440 people (34,950 men and 32,490 women) will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
About 51,980 people (27,050 men and 24,930 women) will die of pancreatic cancer.
It is slightly more common in men than women, and the average age of diagnosis is 70.
What are my odds of surviving it?
Doctors use what’s called “survival statistics” to understand the likelihood of a patient beating the disease.
According to the National Cancer Institute, 13% of patients are alive five years after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Detailed survival statistics are based on where the cancer is located and if it has spread:
Localized
The cancer hasn’t spread
- 15% of cases
- 43.6% alive five years after diagnosis
Regional
The cancer spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes
- 28% of cases
- 16.7% alive five years after diagnosis
Distant
The cancer has spread to other organs
- 51% of cases
- 3.2% alive five years after diagnosis
What types of tests should I expect to undergo?
Doctors will likely use these tests to diagnose pancreatic cancer:
- Blood tests checking bilirubin, liver enzymes, and tumor markers
- Blood test checking CA 19-9
- CT
- MRI
- Biopsy
- Endoscopic ultrasound
Other specialized tests and procedures may also be used to identify and diagnose pancreatic cancer.
Ask your doctor about these additional tests—ideally before you begin treatment.
- Biomarker testing
- Genetic testing
I’m facing a diagnosis: What are my next steps?
If you’re facing a diagnosis, the GI Cancers Alliance is here for you.
If you’re newly diagnosed, work with your doctor to create a treatment plan. It’s important to find an expert who specializes in pancreatic cancer and visit a major cancer center if possible. If surgery is an option, find a surgeon who performs a high volume of pancreatic surgeries each year.
Pancreatic cancer treatment plans may include:
- Surgery (whipple is most common procedure)
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
We strongly encourage you to get a second opinion from another trusted doctor so you feel confident moving forward.
