Conditions | Pancreatic Cancer

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Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumour within the pancreatic gland. Each year about 11,000 individuals in the United Kingdom are diagnosed with this condition, and more than 60,000 in Europe. Depending on the extent of the tumour at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis is generally regarded as poor, with few victims still alive five years after diagnosis, and complete remission still extremely rare.

About 95% of pancreatic tumours are adenocarcinomas. The remaining 5% include other tumours of the exocrine pancreas (e.g. serous cystadenomas), acinar cell cancers, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (such as insulinomas). These tumours have a completely different diagnostic and therapeutic profile, and generally a more favourable prognosis.

Only a small number of patients with pancreas cancer can have their cancer appropriately removed. The operation itself is highly technical and can last over 6 hours.

What is the Pancreas?

The pancreas is a large gland that’s part of the digestive system. It’s about 15cm (six inches) long, and is located high in the abdomen, behind the stomach, where the ribs meet at the bottom of the breastbone. The pancreas produces:

• digestive enzymes – which break down food so it can be absorbed into the body

• hormones – including insulin, which helps keep your blood sugar levels stable

Symptoms

Typically, the first most noticeable symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer are often:

• pain in the back or stomach

• unexpected weight loss

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

It is important however to remember the symptoms above can be caused by many different conditions, and aren’t usually the result of cancer.

What causes Pancreatic Cancer?

Risk factors identified are:

• age – it mainly affects people between 50-80 years of age.

• smoking

Preventing Measures outlined by NHS Choices 

Certain lifestyle changes may help prevent Pancreatic Cancer. You can do this by maintaining a healthy weight managing how much alcohol you drink and by not smoking cigarettes. 

 

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