Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Pancreatic Cancer UK are calling on everyone to put a spotlight on a disease that deserves more attention because right now people are diagnosed too late: too late for treatment, too late to survive. By 2026, it will become the fourth-biggest cancer killer.

Pancreatic Cancer UK. Do you know the symptoms of pancreatic cancer? Tummy or back pain. Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite. Jaundice. Yellow skin or eyes. Change in bowel habits. Indigestion. If you have jaundice got to your GP or A and E without delay. If you have any of the other symptoms for four weeks or more and you don't know why you have them go to your GP. Remember these symptoms can have more common causes.

Pancreatic cancer develops when cells in the pancreas grow out of control, forming a lump. You might hear this called a tumour or mass.

There are different types of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common type. Neuroendocrine cancers are less common – they behave differently and are treated differently.

Common symptoms:

Indigestion
Tummy pain or back pain
Changes to your poo
Weight loss
Jaundice

More on symptoms from Pancreatic Cancer UK

Pancreatic cancer affects men and women in the same way. You may not have all the symptoms listed here, as the symptoms can vary for each person.

What are the known risk factors for pancreatic cancer?

There is good evidence that age, smoking, being overweight or obese, a family history of pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and diabetes may increase your risk of pancreatic cancer.

Some evidence has suggested that the following may also increase your risk:

Pancreatic Cancer UK Support Line

A free Support Line staffed by specialist nurses. It is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 9am and 4pm, and Wednesdays between 10am and 4pm.

Call 0808 801 0707, or contact a nurse via email.