Compared to breast, bowel and lung cancer, people are generally less informed about pancreatic cancer. However, whilst we navigate November and World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, it’s an opportune time to learn more about this disease.

According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data, it is estimated more than 4,600 new pancreatic cancer cases will be diagnosed in Australia in 2024, with over 3900 deaths from pancreatic cancer estimated in the same year. Whilst it is the eighth most diagnosed cancer in Australia, it is now the third most common cause of cancer death.

Unlike bowel and breast cancer, there are no effective screening programs for pancreatic cancer, and early-stage pancreatic cancer rarely causes signs and symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. When symptoms do occur, they are often similar to symptoms from many less serious benign conditions. In some cases, people with pancreatic cancer may have no symptoms until the cancer has spread to other organs.

Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow in an uncontrolled way. Located behind the stomach, the pancreas helps digest food and control blood sugar levels. Most pancreatic cells are exocrine, which produce enzymes to digest food, but there are also endocrine cells which produce hormones such as insulin to control blood sugar. Most pancreatic cancers arise from the exocrine cells of the pancreas.

Pancreatic cancer is generally divided into four stages – from resectable, where the cancer is confined to the pancreas but not involving major blood vessels and can be surgically removed – to metastatic, where the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body such as liver or lungs.

The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can often be tricky, however there are some key symptoms to look out for. Symptoms of pancreatic cancers include jaundice, pain in the abdomen or back, weight loss, pale and greasy stools, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. New diabetes or sudden worsening of diabetes can also occur.

The risk factors that increase a person’s chance of developing a condition, can be modifiable (i.e. lifestyle or environmental) or non-modifiable (i.e. inherited). For pancreatic cancer, non-modifiable risk factors include increasing age, diabetes, a history of chronic pancreatitis or genetic factors such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome or Lynch syndrome. The modifiable risks include smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and exposure to certain chemicals and heavy metals found in pesticides, dyes and chemicals. Of course, even if multiple risk factors apply, it does not mean you will get pancreatic cancer – however, it’s good to be aware of them.

Dr Kaye Bowers, a liver, biliary and pancreatic surgeon at Cabrini, reinforces the importance of reducing the risk factors that you do have control over. “With pancreatic cancer rates rising, it’s important to address those crucial preventive measures, including maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, following a balanced diet and limiting alcohol consumption,” she said.

Learn more about how Cabrini assists people with pancreatic cancer