Pancreatic Cancer Quick Facts

Pancreatic Cancer Quick Facts

  • Pancreatic cancer is the fifth commonest cause of cancer deaths in the UK.
  • There has been no improvement in the overall survival rate in the past 40 years. Only 3% of those diagnosed are still alive five years after diagnosis.
  • Pancreatic cancer is under resourced in research and treatment compared to other common cancers.
  • It is the tenth most common cancer.
  • Six months is the average life expectancy once diagnosed.
  • 1% of cancer funding goes towards pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

  • Painless jaundice (yellow skin/eyes, dark urine) related to bile duct obstruction.
  • Significant and unexplained weight loss.
  • New onset of abdominal discomfort.

All of these symptoms can have multiple other causes, and there is not yet a reliable diagnostic test for pancreatic cancer.

For more information about the prognosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer read "Pancreatic cancer: can it be cured?" by Consultant Liver Surgeon, Mr Giuseppe Kito Fusai.

Relating to the abdomen, which is the region of the body between the chest and the pelvis. Full medical glossary
A fluid produced by the liver, which helps the fat ingested in food to combine with the digestive juices in the gut. Full medical glossary
Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
The process of determining which condition a patient may have. Full medical glossary
A term used to describe a yellow tinge to the skin and a yellowing of the whites of the eyes. It is caused by a build up of bilirubin in the blood. Full medical glossary
Relating to the pancreas. Full medical glossary
An assessment of the likely progress of a condition. Full medical glossary