Pancreatic cancer: Top causes, common symptoms, and treatment options

Cancer CareNOVEMBER 14, 2024

Pancreatic cancer symptoms can be difficult to detect. So, what signs can help you and your physician catch early forms of pancreatic cancer? And if you've been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, what should you expect?

Our experts can help you better understand and navigate the uncertainty that comes with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. We help you better understand treatment options and provide support every step of the way.

You can learn more below about pancreatic cancer symptoms, life expectancy and when the cancer is usually found.

What are the first symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer usually doesn't cause symptoms during the early stages. Once it grows and spreads, that's when symptoms start showing up.

Common pancreatic cancer symptoms include:

• Yellowing of the eyes and skin or itchy skin
• Dark-colored urine
• Clay-colored or oily stools that float
• Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
• New onset of diabetes
• Back or abdominal pain
• Feeling very tired
• Gas or bloating
• Nausea or vomiting

View more about pancreatic cancer signs and symptoms

What are the top causes of pancreatic cancer?

Researchers don't always know what causes cancer. Some people inherit a mutation that makes them more vulnerable to pancreatic cancer. Genes can also change and mutate over time, often from chemical exposure or other external factors.

Tobacco use is likely the top cause of pancreatic cancer. The risk of getting pancreatic cancer is twice as high for smokers as compared to non-smokers, according to the American Cancer Society. Cigar smoke and smokeless tobacco products can also increase risk.

People who are obese (BMI of 30 or more) are at increased risk for pancreatic cancer. People with diabetes - specifically those with type 2 diabetes - are also at higher risk. Type 2 diabetes in adults is sometimes related to being obese.

Explore more pancreatic cancer causes and risk factors

Calculate your body mass index (BMI)

At what stage is pancreatic cancer usually found?

Pancreatic cancer is usually found in stage 4. This is the stage when the cancer has likely spread to other areas of the body - usually the liver, lungs, and the inside lining of the abdomen.

Treatment at this stage is typically chemotherapy. Surgery isn't used for stage 4 pancreatic cancer because the cancer has spread beyond the pancreas.

What is the life expectancy of a person with pancreatic cancer?

Every person's situation is different. Your specialist can give you more information about life expectancy with pancreatic cancer.

The American Cancer Society conducts studies on survival rates for people with pancreatic cancer. The five-year survival rate for people with localized pancreatic cancer (only in the pancreas or nearby areas) is 44%. That means 44% of people with this type of cancer live longer than five years.

Is pancreatic cancer curable?

Pancreatic cancer can often be difficult to treat but can be cured if caught very early on. However, later stages of pancreatic cancer are usually incurable.

When evaluating if surgery is a good option, surgeons consider if the cancer has spread outside the pancreas. They look at whether it's spread to areas near the pancreas that surround veins and arteries or to distant organs.

The combination of surgery and chemotherapy provides the best chance for a cure. Patients must be healthy and strong enough to undergo surgery to remove the cancer. It is considered a major surgery.

Explore surgery options for pancreatic cancer

Find more about treating pancreatic cancer by stages

What pancreatic cancer treatments are available at UC Davis Health?

UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center treats patients of all ages and all stages of pancreatic cancer. Our providers work to preserve critical functions and prevent the disease from returning. We help patients keep the best quality of life possible.

We offer a variety of pancreatic cancer surgeries, including the Whipple Procedure, to remove all tumors, when possible.

Our experts also specialize in other non-surgical treatments, such as medications and radiation therapy. Your cancer specialist will partner with you to determine the best treatment for your situation.

Learn more about pancreatic cancer treatments

This blog was medically reviewed by surgical oncologist Cameron Gaskill, M.D.

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