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Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that's found anywhere in the pancreas.

About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Services, entitlements and contact routes may differ in other countries.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Symptoms

Causes of pancreatic cancer

Causes

Causes of pancreatic cancer

Prevention

Tests and next steps for pancreatic cancer

Diagnosis

Treatment for pancreatic cancer

Medical treatments

Pancreatic cancer does not always have symptoms, but they can include yellow skin or eyes, itchy skin, loss of appetite and tiredness.

Anyone can get pancreatic cancer, but it’s more common in people with pancreatitis, people over 65 and people with a history of it in their family.

Pancreatic cancer cannot always be prevented. But lifestyle changes like staying a healthy weight or lowering your blood pressure can lower your risk.

Tests for pancreatic cancer can include blood tests, scans, an operation to look inside your tummy and testing a sample of cells from the pancreas.

Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on your situation. It may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Main symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer may not have any symptoms, or they might be hard to spot.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can include:

  • the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow (jaundice), and you may also have itchy skin, darker pee and paler poo than usual
  • loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
  • feeling tired or having no energy
  • a high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery

Other symptoms can affect your digestion, such as:

  • feeling or being sick
  • diarrhoea or constipation, or other changes in your poo
  • pain at the top part of your tummy and your back, which may feel worse when you're eating or lying down and better when you lean forward
  • symptoms of indigestion, such as feeling bloated

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

  • the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow
  • you're being sick for more than 2 days
  • you have diarrhoea for more than 7 days
  • you have symptoms that you're worried about, but are not sure where to get help

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

See a GP if:

  • you've lost a noticeable amount of weight
  • you have other symptoms of pancreatic cancer that get worse or do not get better after 2 weeks
  • you have a condition that causes symptoms with your digestion that are not getting better after 2 weeks of using your usual treatments

Main tests for pancreatic cancer

You will need tests and scans to check for pancreatic cancer if a GP refers you to a specialist.

These tests can include:

  • blood tests
  • scans, like an ultrasound scan (sometimes from inside your body using a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope), CT scan, PET scan, or MRI scan
  • collecting a small sample of cells from the pancreas (called a biopsy) to be checked for cancer
  • a small operation to look inside your tummy, called a laparoscopy
  • a test called an ERCP – where an endoscope is passed through your mouth to your stomach and X-rays are taken of your pancreas

You may not have all these tests.

These tests can also help find problems in other nearby organs, such as your bile ducts, gallbladder or liver.

Where to find help and support

If you have pancreatic cancer, you and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer UK

Dedicated charity for anyone affected by pancreatic cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Maggie's Centres

Practical, emotional and social support for anyone affected by cancer.

Marie Curie

Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.

Main treatments for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to treat.

The treatment you have will depend on:

  • the size and type of pancreatic cancer you have
  • where it is
  • if it has spread
  • your general health

It may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and supportive care.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

  • explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
  • work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you
  • help you manage any side effects, including changes to your diet to help you digest your food

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you are worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

Who is more likely to get pancreatic cancer

Anyone can get pancreatic cancer. It's not always clear what causes it.

You might be more likely to get it if you:

  • are over the age of 65 – it's not very common in people under 40
  • have certain medical conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis
  • there's a history of pancreatic cancer in your family

Many pancreatic cancers are also linked to your lifestyle.

How to lower your risk of pancreatic cancer

You cannot always prevent pancreatic cancer. But making healthy changes can lower your chances of getting it.

Do

  • try to lose weight if you're overweight

  • cut down on how much red and processed meat (such as ham, bacon and salami) you eat

  • try to cut down on alcohol – avoid drinking more than 14 units a week

  • try to quit smoking

Content supplied by the NHS website

Content supplied by the NHS website, refreshed 19 August 2026. View the original NHS article ↗

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