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Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer often causes few symptoms until it is advanced, which makes it hard to treat. Painless jaundice or persistent upper-tummy and back pain should prompt a check.
Causes & risk factors
- Increasing age
- Smoking
- Long-standing diabetes
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Being overweight
- Family history and certain inherited genes
Common symptoms
- Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice), often painless
- Upper tummy pain spreading to the back
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite and indigestion
- New diabetes or worsening blood sugar
- Pale, greasy stools
Tests & diagnosis
- CT scan of the abdomen
- MRI or specialist scan (MRCP)
- Endoscopic ultrasound with biopsy
- Liver function tests
- CA 19-9 blood test
Treatment & management
- Surgery to remove the tumour when caught early enough
- Chemotherapy, before or after surgery or for advanced disease
- Radiotherapy in some cases
- Treatments to relieve jaundice and pain (supportive care)
- A specialist team decides what is possible
When to see a doctor urgently
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, especially if painless
- Persistent upper tummy or back pain with weight loss
- New unexplained diabetes with tummy symptoms
Frequently asked questions
Why is pancreatic cancer often found late?
The pancreas sits deep in the abdomen and early cancers rarely cause clear symptoms. When symptoms like jaundice or back pain appear, the cancer may already be advanced — so persistent symptoms should be checked promptly.
Can new diabetes be a warning sign?
In some people, sudden new diabetes in later life — especially with weight loss or tummy pain — can be an early clue to pancreatic cancer, and is worth mentioning to your doctor.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.