Cancer care
Pancreatic Cancer
Overview
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer occurs when cancer cells grow within the pancreas tissues, an organ responsible for digestion and blood sugar balance. It is aggressive in nature and tends to develop stealthily, with symptoms only detected at later stages. Detection at early stages is a challenge, and hence awareness and timely medical help are of utmost importance.
Pancreatic Cancer Types
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
- The most frequent and malignant one, it occurs in the exocrine cells of the pancreas. Usually diagnosed late, it grows rapidly and is responsible for more than 90% of all pancreatic cancers.
Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PNETs)
- Rare tumors that develop in the hormone-secreting endocrine cells. They are slower-growing than adenocarcinomas and are sometimes able to secrete hormones that give rise to particular symptoms such as flushing or diarrhea, depending on their function.
Ampullary Cancer
- Occurs at the point where the bile duct and pancreatic duct meet (ampulla of Vater). Although uncommon, it's usually diagnosed earlier because of presenting symptoms such as jaundice and has a comparatively good prognosis than other forms
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Persistent aching or sharp pain in the stomach area that often radiates toward the back, particularly troublesome when reclining
What’s Notable
- Silent Killer: Often called a "silent" cancer because early symptoms are vague or absent.
- Late Diagnosis: Over 80% of cases are diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage.
- Low Survival Rate: The 5-year survival rate is around 11% due to late detection and aggressive nature.
When to Seek Help
Sudden unintended weight loss with no changes in lifestyle. Persistent upper stomach or back pain that becomes worse with time. Yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin (jaundice) without known
Pancreatic Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Family History
If you have a parent or sibling with pancreatic cancer, you are at a significantly elevated risk yourself
Genetic Syndromes
Conditions such as BRCA mutations, Lynch syndrome or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome increase your risk for pancreatic cancer
Smoking
Where pancreatic cancer is concerned, the simple truth is that smoking cigarettes almost doubles your risk, making it one of the leading avoidable causes of pancreatic cancer
Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic Inflammation of pancreas will increase the risk predispose if it is Hereditary.
Diabetes
People with new-onset or pre-existing type 2 diabetes may have an elevated risk of developing pancreatic cancer, and new-onset type 2 diabetes is considered an early sign of pancreatic cancer
Obesity
Over-weight and obese people also contribute a risk of getting type 2 diabetes through chronic inflammation and also from metabolic changes
Age
The majority of cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed in those over the age of 60
Diet and Lifestyle
High-fat diets, diets that are low in fruits and vegetables, and heavy use of alcohol can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer
Chemical Exposure
Exposure to pesticides, dyes, and some products of petroleum in the workplace may increase risk.
Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Step 1: First Symptoms & Check-up
Symptoms such as blood in the urine (hematuria), ongoing back or side pain, unexpected weight loss, or tiredness lead to a doctor or urologist visit.
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment & Therapy
Chemotherapy
- What it does
- Kills growing cancer cells throughout the body.
- Treated for
- Early-stage and advanced pancreatic cancer.
- Recovery
- Given in cycles; can cause fatigue, nausea, low blood counts, and hair loss
Targeted Therapy
- What it does
- Blocks specific mutations (e.g., BRCA, KRAS) to stop tumor growth.
- Treated for
- Those with genetic mutations in advanced stages.
- Common medications
- Olaparib, sotorasib (if eligible).
- Recovery
- Variable side effects; needs genetic testing before use.
Immunotherapy
- What it does
- Activation of immune cells to target and kill cancer.
- Used for
- Some pancreatic cancers with elevated microsatellite instability (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR).
- Drugs used
- Pembrolizumab
- Recovery
- Side effects may be fatigue or autoimmune inflammation.
Management & Prevention
Physical Resilience Building
- Regular movement, even when limited by treatment effects, plays a crucial role in preserving strength and energy levels. Simple activities like short walks, gentle stretching, or light resistance exercises can help maintain muscle function and improve overall well-being during therapy. Working with physical therapists and exercise specialists ensures safe progression tailored to your current abilities and treatment schedule
Nutritional Support
- Proper nourishment becomes especially important as treatment progresses, requiring collaboration with registered dietitians who understand the unique challenges of pancreatic cancer. Specialized meal planning, digestive enzyme supplements, and nutritional support help maintain weight and energy while managing treatment side effects
Why Choose Everhope For Pancreatic Cancer?
At Everhope, our experts support your proactive care with advanced treatment — guiding you with knowledge, hope, and healing.
- 495K
- new cases are diagnosed globally every year
- 7th
- leading cause of cancer death worldwide.
- 12,000
- deaths In India over deaths annually
Explore Our Latest Updates
Education7 min read
Resistance Mutations in Lung Cancer: Causes and the Importance of Testing
Dr. Vrundali Kannoth
Questions
FAQs on Pancreatic Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
What are early warning signs of Pancreatic Cancer?
Early signs of pancreatic cancer include persistent abdominal pain that radiates to the back, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), changes in stool color, new-onset diabetes or blood sugar changes, and ongoing nausea or loss of appetite. These symptoms often appear gradually and can be mistaken for other conditions
Can Pancreatic Cancer be cured completely?
Pancreatic cancer can potentially be cured if caught very early before it spreads, especially through surgical removal combined with chemotherapy. However, most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages when cure becomes unlikely. Early-stage pancreatic cancer has much better survival rates than advanced disease.
How long does Pancreatic Cancer treatment last?
Treatment duration varies by stage and approach—surgery and recovery may take weeks to months, while chemotherapy regimens typically last 3-6 months for optimal results. Some patients receive ongoing maintenance therapy, and treatment timing is crucial, with earlier initiation within 6 weeks of diagnosis showing better outcomes
What are the chances of Pancreatic Cancer Recurrence?
Pancreatic cancer has high recurrence rates—up to 80% of patients may experience recurrence even after surgery. Most recurrences happen within the first two years, with different patterns including liver, local, or lung recurrence each having different prognoses
How long do people live with pancreatic cancer?
Life expectancy depends heavily on stage at diagnosis. Overall five-year survival is about 13% for all stages combined, but localized cancer has 44% five-year survival while advanced cancer drops to 3%. Many factors influence individual outcomes including age, health status, and treatment response
Can pancreatic cancer run in families?
About 10% of pancreatic cancers are hereditary, meaning they run in families due to inherited gene changes. If you have multiple family members with pancreatic cancer, you may have higher risk and should discuss genetic counseling with your doctor.
Where can I book an Appointment for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment?
You can schedule pancreatic cancer consultations at Everhope Cancer Centre through our website, phone, or email for expert treatment including advanced therapies, nutritional support, and comprehensive care in Gurgaon
How will pancreatic cancer affect my appetite and eating?
Pancreatic cancer and its treatments often cause appetite changes, nausea, weight loss, and difficulty digesting food. A dietitian can help create meal plans and suggest enzyme supplements to improve nutrition
Find a Hospital Near You
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Ghatkopar West
Silver Point, 7th Floor, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Kasturi Park, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai 400086
Mon to Sun, 9am to 9pm
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Andheri West
2nd Floor, New Link Road, above Axis Bank, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053
Mon to Sun, 9am to 9pm
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Thane
Ground Floor, Amber Arcade, below Waviker Eye Institute, Majiwada, Thane 400601
Mon to Sun, 24 hrs
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Chembur
6th Floor, 604 Business Point, DK Sandu Marg, Chembur, Mumbai 400071
Mon to Sun, 9am to 9pm
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Vashi
Clinic 51, 4th Floor, Shanti Center, Sector 17, Vashi, Navi Mumbai 400703
Mon to Sat, 11:30am to 9pm
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Charni Road
9th Floor, Mehta Mahal, 15 Mathew Road, Opera House, Charni Road (East), Mumbai 400004
Mon to Sun, 9am to 9pm
Everhope x SRCC Hospital, Haji Ali
1-1A, Keshavrao Khadye Marg, Haji Ali, Haji Ali Government Colony, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
Mon to Sun, 24 hrs
Everhope x EPIC Hospital, Ahmedabad
Rajpath Rangoli Road, behind Rajpath Club, off S.G. Highway, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad 380059
Mon to Sun, 9am to 9pm
Everhope Hospital, Gurugram (Sector 65)
EBD 65, Sector 65, Golf Course Extension Road
Mon to Sat, 8am to 8pm
Everhope Hospital, Gurugram (Sector 14)
Mehrauli-Gurgaon Rd, Anamika Enclave, Sector 14
Mon to Sat, 9am to 6pm
Everhope x SSO Hospital, Belgaum
9666A-2/D, behind BUDA Office, Ashok Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Belgaum 590016
Mon to Sun, 24 hrs