Pancreatic Cancer
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
- •
Significant pounds lost without dietary changes or increased exercise, frequently accompanied by reduced desire to eat. Skin and eye discoloration: Golden-yellow tinting of skin and eye whites, plus darker urine and pale stool color, often with persistent itching
- •
Regular feelings of sickness, episodes of throwing up, bloated sensations, and altered bathroom habits.
- •
Ongoing exhaustion and weakness that rest doesn't improve.
- •
Late-onset diabetes diagnosis or existing diabetes becoming difficult to regulate, particularly concerning after age 50
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.
Diagnostic Tests
Step 2: Diagnostic Imaging Abdominal and pelvis ultrasound or CT scan visualizes abnormalities in pancreas’ shape, size, or masses that are suspicious for cancer.
Biopsy & Pathology
Step 3: Confirmatory Diagnosis
A CT-guided biopsy or surgery specimen establishes the presence, type and grade of pancreatic cancer on pathology examination.
Staging & Imaging
Step 4: Staging the Disease
Imaging like chest CT, MRI, or bone scan assists in finding out if the cancer is localized, regionally advanced, or metastatic
Risk Stratification
Step 5: Multidisciplinary Evaluation
Your case is reviewed by a tumor board to risk-stratify based on tumor size, lymph node status, and metastasis to make the best decisions.
Step 6: Individualized Treatment Plan
Your treatment—surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination—is tailored to the stage of cancer, your overall health, and your preferences.
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.
Step 2
Diagnostic Tests
Step 3
Biopsy & Pathology
Step 4
Staging & Imaging
Step 5
Risk Stratification
Step 6
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.
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
What it does:
Kills pancreatic tumors with large doses of radiation.
Treated for:
Borderline resectable or locally advanced cancers.
Side Effects:
May feel nausea, fatigue, or skin reaction.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
What it does:
Delivers concentrated, high doses of radiation in fewer sessions.
Treated for:
Tumors that cannot be resected and are close to critical structures
Recovery:
Fewer sessions; risk of side effects in the gastrointestinal tract.
Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)
What it does:
Resects head of pancreas, bile duct, portion of stomach, and small intestine.
Treated for:
Tumors that can be resected within the head of the pancreas.
Recovery:
Substantial surgery; hospitalization, digestive rehabilitation, and nutrition support needed.
Distal Pancreatectomy
What it does:
Resections body and tail of pancreas, often the spleen.
Treated for:
Body or tail cancers.
Recovery:
Shorter than Whipple; risk of infections or diabetes.
Total Pancreatectomy
What it does :
Resections all pancreas and nearby organs.
Used for:
Spread-out but resectable disease.
Recovery:
Needs lifelong insulin and enzyme replacement.
Combination Therapy
Purpose:
Uses multiple drugs or modalities to improve survival.
What it is:
Metastatic or treatment-refractory pancreatic cancer.
Used for:
Increased toxicity; requires supportive care to treat side effects.
Palliative Care
Goal:
Alleviates pain, gastrointestinal problems, and psychological burden.
Used for:
Terminal or advanced cancer stages.
Recovery:
Palliative therapy with patient comfort being the highest priority.
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
Mental Health Counseling and Support Groups
•Building a strong support network through family, friends, counselors, and fellow survivors creates the emotional foundation needed for resilience. Professional psycho-oncology services, support groups, and spiritual care provide outlets for processing feelings and finding meaning during challenging times
Practical Tips
•Organizing medical appointments, medication schedules, and daily routines creates structure that reduces stress and improves quality of life. Learning to pace activities, accept help from others, and prioritize rest enables better management of treatment demands while preserving energy for meaningful moments with loved ones
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
- •
Significant pounds lost without dietary changes or increased exercise, frequently accompanied by reduced desire to eat. Skin and eye discoloration: Golden-yellow tinting of skin and eye whites, plus darker urine and pale stool color, often with persistent itching
- •
Regular feelings of sickness, episodes of throwing up, bloated sensations, and altered bathroom habits.
- •
Ongoing exhaustion and weakness that rest doesn't improve.
- •
Late-onset diabetes diagnosis or existing diabetes becoming difficult to regulate, particularly concerning after age 50
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.
Diagnostic Tests
Step 2: Diagnostic Imaging Abdominal and pelvis ultrasound or CT scan visualizes abnormalities in pancreas’ shape, size, or masses that are suspicious for cancer.
Biopsy & Pathology
Step 3: Confirmatory Diagnosis
A CT-guided biopsy or surgery specimen establishes the presence, type and grade of pancreatic cancer on pathology examination.
Staging & Imaging
Step 4: Staging the Disease
Imaging like chest CT, MRI, or bone scan assists in finding out if the cancer is localized, regionally advanced, or metastatic
Risk Stratification
Step 5: Multidisciplinary Evaluation
Your case is reviewed by a tumor board to risk-stratify based on tumor size, lymph node status, and metastasis to make the best decisions.
Step 6: Individualized Treatment Plan
Your treatment—surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination—is tailored to the stage of cancer, your overall health, and your preferences.
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.
Step 2
Diagnostic Tests
Step 3
Biopsy & Pathology
Step 4
Staging & Imaging
Step 5
Risk Stratification
Step 6
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.
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
What it does:
Kills pancreatic tumors with large doses of radiation.
Treated for:
Borderline resectable or locally advanced cancers.
Side Effects:
May feel nausea, fatigue, or skin reaction.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
What it does:
Delivers concentrated, high doses of radiation in fewer sessions.
Treated for:
Tumors that cannot be resected and are close to critical structures
Recovery:
Fewer sessions; risk of side effects in the gastrointestinal tract.
Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)
What it does:
Resects head of pancreas, bile duct, portion of stomach, and small intestine.
Treated for:
Tumors that can be resected within the head of the pancreas.
Recovery:
Substantial surgery; hospitalization, digestive rehabilitation, and nutrition support needed.
Distal Pancreatectomy
What it does:
Resections body and tail of pancreas, often the spleen.
Treated for:
Body or tail cancers.
Recovery:
Shorter than Whipple; risk of infections or diabetes.
Total Pancreatectomy
What it does :
Resections all pancreas and nearby organs.
Used for:
Spread-out but resectable disease.
Recovery:
Needs lifelong insulin and enzyme replacement.
Combination Therapy
Purpose:
Uses multiple drugs or modalities to improve survival.
What it is:
Metastatic or treatment-refractory pancreatic cancer.
Used for:
Increased toxicity; requires supportive care to treat side effects.
Palliative Care
Goal:
Alleviates pain, gastrointestinal problems, and psychological burden.
Used for:
Terminal or advanced cancer stages.
Recovery:
Palliative therapy with patient comfort being the highest priority.
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
Mental Health Counseling and Support Groups
•Building a strong support network through family, friends, counselors, and fellow survivors creates the emotional foundation needed for resilience. Professional psycho-oncology services, support groups, and spiritual care provide outlets for processing feelings and finding meaning during challenging times
Practical Tips
•Organizing medical appointments, medication schedules, and daily routines creates structure that reduces stress and improves quality of life. Learning to pace activities, accept help from others, and prioritize rest enables better management of treatment demands while preserving energy for meaningful moments with loved ones
Why Choose Everhope For Pancreatic Cancer?
At Everhope, our experts support your proactive care with advanced treatment — guiding you with knowledge, hope, and healing.
new cases are diagnosed globally every year
leading cause of cancer death worldwide.
deaths In India over deaths annually
FAQs on Pancreatic Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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 Centre Near You
Gurgaon EBD 65
EBD 65, Sector 65, Golf Course Extension Road, Gurgaon