Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the pancreas. Depending on the extent of the tumor at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis is generally poor, with less than 5% of those diagnosed still alive five years after diagnosis, and complete remission is rare. Most pancreatic tumors are adenocarcinomas; more rare conditions are tumors of the exocrine pancreas, acinar cell cancers, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (such as insulinomas). In the U.K. about 7,600 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year (about 3% of all cancers diagnosed). It is the 10th most common cancer in the UK, not counting non melanoma skin cancer. About 80% of all cases are diagnosed in people over 60; it is uncommon in people under 40 years old.

Cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco all increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer; as many as 1 in 5 pancreatic cancers may be linked to smoking. There is some evidence that people who don't eat many fresh vegetables and fruits are more at risk from pancreatic cancer.

Prognosis

Staging

Pancreatic cancer staging information from the National Cancer Institute's Physician Data Query

Treatment

Pancreatic cancer treatment information from the National Cancer Institute's Physician Data Query