Pancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in any part of the pancreas. About 3 in 4 pancreatic cancers are found in the head of the pancreas.
Pancreatic cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes and to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Cancer cells may also travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, such as the liver.
Learn more about:
What are the main types of pancreatic cancer?
There are 2 main groups of pancreatic cancer:
Exocrine tumours
These make up more than 95% of pancreatic cancers. The most common type is called adenocarcinoma, and it starts in the exocrine cells lining the pancreatic duct. Less common types include adenosquamous carcinoma, acinar cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma.
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
About 5% of cancers in the pancreas are pancreatic NETs. These start in the endocrine cells.
This booklet is about exocrine tumours of the pancreas, particularly pancreatic adenocarcinomas. For more information about how pancreatic NETs are diagnosed and treated, see Neuroendocrine tumours.
The pancreas
The pancreas is a long, flat gland that lies between your stomach and spine. It is about 13–15 cm long and is divided into 3 main parts:
- the large, rounded end, called the head of the pancreas
- the middle part, known as the body
- the narrow end, called the tail, that sits up next to your spleen.
A tube called the pancreatic duct connects the pancreas to the first part of the small bowel (duodenum). Another tube, called the common bile duct, runs through the head and joins with the pancreatic duct to connect the liver and gall bladder to the duodenum.
What the pancreas does
The pancreas has 2 main jobs. It makes digestive juices (known as its exocrine function) and hormones (its endocrine function).
| Exocrine function | The pancreas is part of the digestive system, which helps the body digest food and turn it into energy. Exocrine cells make pancreatic enzymes, which are digestive juices. The pancreatic duct carries these juices from the pancreas into the duodenum, where they help to break down food. Most of the pancreas is made up of exocrine tissue. |
| Endocrine function | The pancreas is also part of the endocrine system. This is a group of glands that makes the body’s hormones. Endocrine cells in the pancreas make hormones that control blood sugar levels, the amount of acid produced by the stomach, and how quickly food is absorbed. For example, the hormone insulin decreases the level of sugar in the blood, while the hormone glucagon increases it. |
The pancreas in the body
Who gets pancreatic cancer?
About 4500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Australia each year. More than 80% of those diagnosed are over the age of 60.
Pancreatic cancer was estimated to be the 8th most common cancer in Australia in 2023 and it affects men and women at about the same rate.
What causes pancreatic cancer?
The causes of pancreatic cancer are not known, but research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.
Factors that are known to increase the risk of getting pancreatic cancer include:
- smoking tobacco (smokers are about twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as nonsmokers)
- obesity
- ageing
- long-term diabetes (but diabetes can also be caused by the pancreatic cancer)
- long-term pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- certain types of cysts in the pancreatic duct known as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) – these should be assessed by an appropriate specialist
- stomach infections caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria (which can also cause stomach ulcers)
- family history and inherited conditions
- workplace exposure to certain pesticides, dyes or chemicals.
Having risk factors does not mean you will definitely get cancer, but talk to your doctor if you are concerned. Some people with pancreatic cancer have no known risk factors.
Screening tests help detect cancer in people who do not have any symptoms. Although there are useful screening tests for certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and bowel cancer, there is currently no screening test available for pancreatic cancer.
Does pancreatic cancer run in families?
Most people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer do not have a family history of the disease. Only about 5–10% of people who develop pancreatic cancer have inherited a faulty gene that increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
You may have inherited a faulty gene linked to pancreatic cancer if:
- 2 or more of your close family members (such as a parent or sibling) have had pancreatic cancer
- there is a family history of a genetic condition, such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, the familial breast cancer genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2), familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome, Lynch syndrome and hereditary pancreatitis.
Genetic testing aims to find inherited faulty genes that may increase a person’s risk of developing some cancers. People with a strong family history of cancer can go to a family cancer clinic for genetic counselling and tests.
For more information about family history and pancreatic cancer, talk to your doctor or local family cancer clinic.
What can you expect after diagnosis?
It’s common to have many questions and concerns about what a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer will mean for you. This booklet has chapters that explain the process of diagnosis, treatment options for removing the cancer and managing symptoms, and coping with physical changes that affect what you can eat.
Diagnosis stage – You will have various tests to confirm that you have pancreatic cancer, and to work out which type and how far it has progressed. The results will help guide decisions about treatment.
Treatment to remove the cancer – About 15–20% of people with pancreatic cancer can have surgery to remove the cancer. They may also be offered other treatments before or after the surgery.
Treatment to manage cancer and symptoms – Most people with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed at a stage when the cancer cannot be removed. Treatment will aim to control the cancer, manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Managing your diet and nutrition – People with pancreatic cancer often need to adapt to changes in how their body processes food, either because of the cancer itself or because of the treatment.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or would just like to talk through your concerns, you can call Cancer Council 13 11 20 to speak to one of our experienced health professionals.
→ READ MORE: Pancreatic cancer symptoms
Video: What is pancreatic cancer?
Experts explain pancreatic cancer, its causes, types, and spread in this video. We also hear from those affected by the disease.
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
Prof Lorraine Chantrill, Honorary Clinical Professor, University of Wollongong, and Head of Department, Medical Oncology, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, NSW; Karen Baker, Consumer; Michelle Denham, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Prof Anthony J Gill, Surgical Pathologist, Royal North Shore Hospital and The University of Sydney, NSW; A/Prof Koroush Haghighi, Liver, Pancreas and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Prince of Wales and St Vincent’s Hospitals, NSW; Dr Meredith Johnston, Radiation Oncologist, Liverpool and Campbelltown Hospitals, NSW; Dr Brett Knowles, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and General Surgeon, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and St Vincent’s Hospital, VIC; Rachael Mackie, Upper GI – Clinical Nurse Consultant, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Prof Jennifer Philip, Chair of Palliative Care, University of Melbourne, and Palliative Medicine Physician, St Vincent’s Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, VIC; Lucy Pollerd, Social Worker, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Rose Rocca, Senior Clinical Dietitian – Upper GI, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Stefanie Simnadis, Clinical Dietitian, St John of God Subiaco Hospital, WA.
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