What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Pancreas Cancer
• Pancreas Carcinoma
• Pancreatic Carcinoma

What is Pancreatic Cancer? (Definition/Background Information)

• Pancreatic Cancer is a general term for cancer that originates in the tissues of the pancreas. It is a common type of cancer that affects men and women worldwide
• The pancreas is an important organ of the digestive system, located in the abdomen. Functionally, the pancreas is divided into two parts, namely:
  • Exocrine pancreas, which produces digestive enzymes, and constitute about 95% of the pancreas
  • Endocrine pancreas, which secretes hormones, such as insulin, glucagon, gastrin, and somatostatin. Insulin and glucagon regulate sugar levels in blood 

Pancreatic tumors may be benign or malignant. They can arise from both the exocrine and the endocrine components of the organ. Most endocrine tumors are benign and develop at a slower rate than exocrine tumors.

• Based on the anatomy of pancreas, it is divided into three main parts, namely:
  • Head
  • Body
  • Tail

Pancreatic tumors can affect the head, body, and tail region of the pancreas. Some tumors affect one region of the pancreas more than the others.

• The exact cause of Pancreatic Cancer formation is unknown. However, many factors, such as smoking, exposure to chemicals, and previous history of cancer, among others, are thought to play a role in its development
• The signs and symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer mainly depend on the type of cancer. Generally, it may include abdominal/back pain, appetite loss, and fatigue. Advanced stages can cause complications, such as metastasis to the liver and peritoneum, gastrointestinal and biliary tract obstruction (causing jaundice), and diabetes (if sufficient numbers of islet cells of pancreas are destroyed)
• The type of exocrine cells and endocrine cells that transform to tumor cells determine the type of Pancreatic Cancer one is affected with. The type of Pancreatic Cancer one is diagnosed with, determines the appropriate treatment for that specific cancer type
• The specific type, pancreatic site, and extent of cancer, as well as the overall health of the affected individuals and their response to treatment, helps determine the overall prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer. Generally, neuroendocrine tumors have better outcomes than exocrine tumors
• Presently, there are no appropriate screening methods available for Pancreatic Cancer that can adequately help detect early signs and symptoms, diagnose the malignancy faster, or improve overall outcomes and survival rates

The different types of pancreatic exocrine tumors and endocrine tumors are summarized below:

Exocrine tumors of the pancreas:

• Acinar Cell Carcinoma of Pancreas: A very rare and slow-growing type of Pancreatic Cancer that develops from the acinar cells within the pancreas
• Ductal Adenocarcinoma of Pancreas: The most common type of Pancreatic Cancer, constituting approximately 75% of all cases. It arises from the pancreatic ducts
• Adenosquamous Carcinoma of Pancreas: A very rare and extremely aggressive type of Pancreatic Cancer. Similar to adenocarcinoma, the adenosquamous carcinoma also develops from the glandular organs of the pancreas. Unlike adenocarcinomas, adenosquamous carcinomas start to flatten as they develop, illustrate squamous characteristics, and may replicate other forms of cancer
• Osteoclastic Giant Cell Tumor of Pancreas: A rare and malignant pancreatic tumor
• Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of Pancreas: A rare type of cystic pancreatic tumor, these neoplasms have an increased risk of becoming malignant, even though they may be benign during initial diagnosis. A majority of intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasms develop into adenocarcinomas
• Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma of Pancreas: A rare type of cystic pancreatic tumor that may be benign (serous cystadenoma), inflammatory (pseudocyst of the pancreas), or become malignant over time. While the majority of such tumors are benign during diagnosis; if left untreated, these tumors have an increased risk of becoming malignant
• Pancreatoblastoma: A rare and malignant type of cystic pancreatic tumor that is predominately diagnosed in children under 10. Nevertheless, treatment for this type of tumor is relatively successful
• Serous Cystadenocarcinoma of Pancreas: Another rare type of cystic Pancreatic Cancer that is usually benign at initial diagnosis. These tumor types exhibit a sponge-like appearance when viewed under the microscope by a pathologist
• Pseudopapillary Tumor of Pancreas: A rare tumor that forms in the exocrine pancreas. It is considered to be a low-grade malignancy of the pancreas that mostly occurs in middle-aged women

Endocrine (neuroendocrine) tumors in the pancreas:

• Islet Cell Tumors of Pancreas: These are classified as either functioning or non-functioning types. They can be benign or malignant. The cells in functioning islet cell tumors secrete excess hormones that cause symptoms, and therefore, are often detected at an early stage of tumor development
• The different types of functional islet cell tumors include:
  • Gastrinoma of Pancreas: A type of endocrine tumor that is usually malignant or has a high probability of malignancy. Gastrinomas in the pancreas usually produce excessive levels of the peptide hormone gastrin, which cause the condition Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. As awareness and screening techniques continue to improve, the detection of benign gastrinoma tumors before they become malignant is on the rise
  • Glucagonoma of Pancreas: It predominantly develops from the alpha-2 cells of the pancreas. Approximately 70% of all glucagonoma tumors are malignant, and present an increased risk for metastases
  • Insulinoma: A rare tumor of the beta cells of the pancreas that secretes excessive insulin, causing low blood glucose levels, a condition termed ‘clinical hypoglycemia’
  • Somatostatinoma: A very rare and malignant tumor arising from the delta cells (D-cells) of the pancreas. The D-cells of pancreas produce somatostatin, a key hormone that controls and regulates the secretion of many other hormones
  • VIPoma of the Pancreas: A very rare tumor of the pancreas that secretes vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP, a hormone). Usually, VIP is secreted by nerves of the central nervous system and nerves in the GI tract, respiratory tract, and urogenital tract
• The non-functioning islet cell tumors generally do not produce excess hormones and do not present any significant symptoms, until they cause obstruction of the pancreatic duct

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors (5^th Edition), Tumors of the Pancreas include the following types:

Benign epithelial tumors and precursors:

• Acinar cystic transformation of the pancreas
• Serous neoplasms of the pancreas
• Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia
• Pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
• Pancreatic intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm
• Pancreatic intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm
• Pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm

Malignant epithelial tumors:

• Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
• Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma
• Pancreatoblastoma
• Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms:

• Non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
• Functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors:
  • Insulinoma
  • Gastrinoma
  • VIPoma
  • Glucagonoma
  • Somatostatinoma
  • ACTH-producing neuroendocrine tumor
  • Serotonin-producing neuroendocrine tumor
• Pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma
• Pancreatic mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs)

Who gets Pancreatic Cancer? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Pancreatic Cancer is the 12^th most common cancer globally. 55% of all reported cases are from the developed countries
• According to a 2012 report, the highest rates of occurrence were in North America and Europe, with much lower incidents reported from Africa and Asia
• Pancreatic Cancer occurs in all races and ethnicities. However, a majority of the tumors occur in the African-American population. When compared to Caucasians, the incidence is 50-90% higher in African-Americans
• Although both male and female genders are susceptible, men are approximately 30% more likely to develop Pancreatic Cancer than women
• Approximately 90% of individuals who develop Pancreatic Cancer are over the age of 55, and nearly 70% are over the age of 65

What are the Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer? (Predisposing Factors)

The underlying cause of Pancreatic Cancer is unknown at this time, although it is believed that certain factors may increase one’s risk for the condition. The risk factors include:

• Age: Pancreatic Cancer may develop in individuals of all ages but is seldom diagnosed in individuals younger than 55. The majority of cases are diagnosed in individuals over the age of 55,. The average age of diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer is 71
• Smoking tobacco: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, increases one’s risk due to the damaging effect of chemicals accumulating in the body
• Exposure to toxic chemicals: Exposure to various chemicals can occur because of one’s occupation or place of residence: It is believed that being around or associating oneself with harmful chemicals may increase the risk
• Gender: Men have a higher risk of developing Pancreatic Cancer than women. This may be attributed to the high rate of male smokers in comparison to female smokers
• Race: African-Americans are found to have a higher risk, than individuals of any other race or ethnic group
• Family history: Individuals, with (immediate) family members or relatives with a history of Pancreatic Cancer, may have an increased risk for the condition
• Presence of certain genetic syndromes: Inherited genetic mutations can pass on from parents to their children. Approximately 10% of all Pancreatic Cancers may be caused by such gene abnormalities, in addition to other health problems

Genetic conditions that may increase the risk for exocrine Pancreatic Cancers include:

• Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome caused by genetic mutations in the BRCA2 gene
• Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome caused by genetic mutations in the p16/CDKN2A gene
• Familial pancreatitis caused by genetic mutations in the PRSS1 gene
• Lynch syndrome, which is usually caused by a genetic defect in the MLH1 or MSH2 gene. Additional changes in other genes, such as MLH3, MSH6, TGBR2, PMS1, and PMS2 genes, may also cause the syndrome
• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome caused by genetic defects in the STK11 gene
• Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, which occurs owing to genetic mutations in the VHL gene. This syndrome may lead to an increased risk for pancreatic and ampullary carcinoma

Genetic conditions that may increase the risk for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors include:

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) caused by genetic mutations in the MEN1 gene. This condition may increase the risk of tumors in the parathyroid gland, the pituitary gland, and the islet cells of the pancreas
• Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) caused by genetic mutations in the NF1 gene. This syndrome may lead to an increased risk of developing many different types of tumors such as somatostatinomas 
• Type II diabetes: Individuals with type II diabetes are believed to have an increased risk for Pancreatic Cancer. This type of diabetes usually begins in early adulthood and is predominately related to obesity
• Chronic pancreatitis: Chronic pancreatitis is characterized as inflammation of the pancreas that does not heal or improve, progressively worsens, and eventually cause permanent damage. Pancreatic Cancer has been linked to smokers who develop this condition. However, the majority of individuals with chronic pancreatitis do not develop Pancreatic Cancer
• Liver cirrhosis: Liver cirrhosis is a condition that is caused by a sudden or continuous damage to the liver tissue, resulting in scar tissue formation. Individuals with liver cirrhosis have an increased risk for Pancreatic Cancer
• Gastrointestinal tract infections: Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can infect an individual’s gastrointestinal tract, may increase the risk for Pancreatic Cancer. However, some researchers believe that excess stomach acid may also increase the risk 

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Pancreatic Cancer? (Etiology)

Currently, the exact cause of Pancreatic Cancer development is not well-understood.

• Research scientists believe it develops primarily due to genetic mutations that result in tumor formation
• Genetic material (DNA) gives instructions to the cell and directs it to proliferate and/or mature into the type of cell that the body needs at each specific location/place
• Some individuals may be born with a preexisting abnormality in their DNA that predisposes them to certain types of genetic conditions, including cancer, when compared to other individuals in the general population
• However, DNA can be altered or damaged sporadically as well, causing the cells to become malignant (cancerous). DNA damage may trigger the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells
• Factors that can lead to spontaneous DNA damage and result in the development of benign tumors and cancers include:
  • Exposure to certain toxins and poisons, such as synthetic dyes used in tanning hides, industrial chemicals, and cigarette smoke
  • Certain types of bacterial and viral infections

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?

Typically, the signs and symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer do not occur until the later stages of the disease. The type and severity of the presentations may vary among affected individuals, and may generally include: 

• Anorexia (loss of appetite)
• Jaundice, manifested as yellowing of the skin and the white part of the eyes
• Dark urine
• Pain in the upper part of the abdomen or middle of the back
• Fluid accumulation in the abdomen
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Depression
• Formation of blood clots

Some signs and symptoms are specific to the type of Pancreatic Cancer one is affected with.

How is Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed?

Currently, there are no standard diagnostic methods to accurately detect Pancreatic Cancer signs and symptoms and pinpoint the condition during the early stages. In some cases, healthcare professionals and specialists may discover a pancreatic tumor when testing for other health conditions. There are a variety of tests and exams that a healthcare provider may use to detect, locate, and diagnose Pancreatic Cancer following the appearance of the signs and symptoms, including:

• Physical examination and medical history evaluation: Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer usually starts with a thorough physical examination and evaluation of one’s complete medical (and family) history. During a physical exam, the overall health status and presenting symptoms, such as pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss, of the affected individual are noted 
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the pancreas: This radiological procedure is used to create detailed three-dimensional images of the structures inside the body. CT scans may be helpful in detecting recurrences or if Pancreatic Cancer has metastasized to other organs/regions
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pancreas: An MRI scan uses magnetic fields that create high-quality pictures of the body parts, such as tissues, muscles, nerves, and bones. These high-quality images may indicate to the physician the presence of any abnormalities, including Pancreatic Cancer
• In addition, there are certain specific types of MRI scans that can be used in individuals with Pancreatic Cancers. Such radiological procedures include:
  • MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): It is a special MRI exam of the hepatobiliary and pancreatic systems. It provides detailed images of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, and pancreatic ducts
  • MR angiography (MRA): It is a non-invasive exam using a powerful magnetic field to evaluate the blood vessels
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): This is a minimally-invasive procedure recommended for individuals who are suspected to have Pancreatic Cancer. An ultrasound device is inserted through a thin tube (called an endoscope) down into the stomach and part of the small intestine. It uses high-frequency sound waves to generate detailed images of the pancreas
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A procedure used when an individual has developed symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer. An ultrasound device is inserted through a thin tube (called an endoscope) down into the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. A dye is injected into the pancreas and bile ducts. The movement of dye is followed through a series of images. A small tissue sample (biopsy) can be collected for further evaluation during this procedure
• Tissue biopsy: During an ERCP, special biopsy forceps may be used to collect small tissue samples of the tumor. A pathologist then examines these samples under a microscope, after the tissue sample is suitably processed in an anatomic pathology laboratory. A biopsy is the only test a healthcare professional relies on to make a definitive diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer
• Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS): This test involves injecting radioisotope materials that attach to proteins on the tumor cells and gives out gamma rays, which are then detected by gamma cameras. This information is used to produce images that are helpful in diagnosing pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)
• Positron emission tomography (PET): A PET scan is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that generates three-dimensional images to show how tissue and organs are functioning. A small amount of radioactive material may be injected into a vein, inhaled or swallowed. A PET scan is also helpful in detecting recurrences, or if any metastasis of the tumor (such as to the surrounding lymph nodes of the pancreas) has occurred

A number of blood tests are also helpful in diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer or in determining the treatment options. These include

• Blood tests for exocrine pancreatic cancers
  • Liver function blood tests
  • Blood tests that may involve tumors markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19.9
• Blood tests for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, to check for levels of
  • Insulin 
  • Somatostatin 
  • Glucagon 
  • Gastrin 
  • Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Pancreatic Cancer?

Complications of Pancreatic Cancer may occur as the condition progresses, and these may include:

• Severe emotional stress
• Biliary tract obstruction causing jaundice
• Abdominal pain due to a growing tumor pressing on the nerves in the abdomen
• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Severe weight loss
• If the tumor destroys enough islet cells of the pancreas, it can result in diabetes
• The tumor can metastasize to the liver and lymph nodes
• Pancreatic Cancer recurrence following surgery
• Reduced quality of life
• Treatment complications and medication side effects

How is Pancreatic Cancer Treated?

The treatment methods for Pancreatic Cancer are determined by several factors, such as the specific type of cancer, how advanced the disease is (the cancer stage), the overall health of the affected individual, as well as his/her personal preferences.

Determination of type and extent of cancer: 

Once a diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer has been made, the extent to which the tumor has spread is assessed. This is known as staging of the cancer. The system used most often to stage cancers of the pancreas is the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM system, which is based on three key pieces of information.

The TNM classification for Pancreatic Cancer is given below:

Tumor extent (T):

• TX: The main tumor cannot be assessed
• T0: No evidence of a primary tumor
• Tis: Carcinoma in situ - the tumor is confined to the top layers of pancreatic duct cells. Very few pancreatic tumors are found at this stage
• T1: The cancer has not grown outside the pancreas and is 2 cm (about ¾ inch) or less across
• T2: The cancer has not grown outside the pancreas but is larger than 2 cm across
• T3: The cancer has grown outside the pancreas into nearby surrounding structures but not into major blood vessels or nerves
• T4: The cancer has grown beyond the pancreas into nearby large blood vessels or nerves

Lymph node spread of cancer (N):

• NX: Nearby (regional) lymph nodes cannot be assessed
• N0: The cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes
• N1: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes

Distant spread of cancer (M):

• M0: The cancer has not spread to distant lymph nodes (other than those near the pancreas) or to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, brain, etc.
• M1: The cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes or to distant organs

Stage grouping: Once the T, N, and M categories have been assigned, this information is combined to assign an overall stage in a process called stage grouping. The stages identify tumors that have a similar outlook and are treated in a similar way.

Stage 0 (Tis, N0, M0):

• The tumor is confined to the top layers of pancreatic duct cells and has not invaded deeper tissues. It has not spread outside of the pancreas
• These tumors are sometimes referred to as pancreatic carcinoma in situ or pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia III (PanIn III)

Stage IA (T1, N0, M0):

• The tumor is confined to the pancreas and is 2 cm across or smaller (T1)
• The cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes (N0) or distant sites (M0)

Stage IB (T2, N0, M0):

• The tumor is confined to the pancreas and is larger than 2 cm across (T2). The cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes (N0) or distant sites (M0)

Stage IIA (T3, N0, M0):

• The tumor is growing outside the pancreas but not into major blood vessels or nerves (T3). The cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes (N0) or distant sites (M0)

Stage IIB (T1-T3, N1, M0):

• The tumor is either confined to the pancreas or growing outside the pancreas but not into major blood vessels or nerves (T1-T3)
• The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes (N1) but not to distant sites (M0)

Stage III (T4, Any, N, M0):

• The tumor is growing outside the pancreas and into nearby major blood vessels or nerves (T4)
• The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes (Any N). It has not spread to distant sites (M0)

Stage IV (Any T, Any N, M1):

• The cancer has spread to distant sites (M1)

(Source: “The AJCC system for staging Pancreatic Cancer”; information provided by the American Cancer Society, May 2016)

Once the extent of disease has been determined, the following treatment methods may be employed:

Surgery for tumors located in the pancreatic head

• Pancreatoduodenectomy: A surgical procedure that involves the removal of part of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, and the gallbladder. This procedure is typically used when the tumor is confined to the head of the pancreas. The technique is also known as Whipple procedure

Surgery for tumors in the pancreatic tail and body of the pancreas

• Distal pancreatectomy: A surgical procedure that involves the removal of the lower half or tail end of the pancreas

After surgical treatment, the attending healthcare professional/specialist may discuss the details of the cancer, further treatment measures required, and the post-operative care, with the individual.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. In this treatment, a combination of two or more chemotherapy drugs is generally used
• These drugs may be administered orally (by mouth), or intravenously (through a vein in the arm)
• Chemotherapy may be used in addition to radiation therapy (chemoradiation). Chemoradiation is usually used to treat Pancreatic Cancers that have spread to the surrounding organs, but not to the distant body regions
• This combination may also be used after surgery to decrease the risk of cancer recurrence

Radiation therapy

• Radiation therapy attempts to destroy cancer cells by aiming high-energy beams at the cancer cells
• Radiation therapy can be administered either by a machine placed outside the body (external beam radiation), or internally, by a device positioned directly at, or close to the malignant tumor
• This technique may be used before surgery to decrease the size of a tumor, thus allowing for its easy removal; or after surgery, to kill the remaining cancer cells
• Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are sometimes used in combinations

Targeted drug therapy

Targeting tumor cells while leaving healthy cells relatively unharmed is the goal of many cancer treatments. Ongoing scientific research has yielded targeted drug therapy, wherein the unique traits of cancer cells are taken advantage of, to destroy the cells.

Targeted drug therapy can be effective in many ways. They can

• Deliver toxic drugs to the abnormal cells
• Block pathways that cancer cells use to proliferate without control
• Stop blood supply to actively dividing cancer cells
• Activate the immune system to fight and destroy cancer cells
• Alter the cancer cells to trigger their cell death mechanism

The advantages of targeted therapy over conventional chemotherapy are:

• Increased concentration of medication delivered to specific target cells
• Prolonged interaction of medication with abnormal cells for effective destruction of such cells
• Decreased effect on healthy cells
• Possibly fewer side effects

One type of targeted drug therapy approved for treatment of Pancreatic Cancer is Erlotinib. Erlotinib is a targeted therapeutic drug, designed to disrupt the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein (located on the exterior of a cell) on cancerous cells, to arrest cell division. The drug is administered to individuals orally (in pill-form) and it is usually taken in combination with chemotherapy.

Several clinical trials are ongoing or scheduled for targeted drug therapy. Information may be obtained at the following site: www.clinicaltrials.gov

How can Pancreatic Cancer be Prevented?

Although there are no preventable measures for Pancreatic Cancer, various steps can be taken to help decrease the risk of its formation. Such measures include:

• Smoking cessation: Smoking is the most significant risk factor associated with Pancreatic Cancer. 20% to 30% of all Pancreatic Cancers reportedly develop due to chronic smoking
• Physical activity: Obesity increases the risk for Pancreatic Cancer due to increased levels of inflammation in the body, which adversely impacts the overall immunity. Individuals who regularly engage in a modest amount of physical activity may decrease their risk
• Adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables: A healthy diet, low in saturated fats and rich in many fruits and vegetables, may help decrease one’s risk for Pancreatic Cancer

What is the Prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer depends upon a set of several factors, which includes:
  • Histological subtype of the tumor
  • Stage of tumor: With lower-stage tumors, when the tumor is confined to site of origin, the prognosis is usually excellent with appropriate therapy. In higher-stage tumors, such as tumors with metastasis, the prognosis is poor
  • The surgical resectability of the tumor (meaning if the tumor can be removed completely)
  • Overall health of the individual: Individuals with overall excellent health have better prognosis compared with those with poor health
  • Age of the individual: Older individuals generally have poorer prognosis than younger individuals
  • Whether the tumor is occurring for the first time or is a recurrent tumor. Recurring tumors have worse prognosis compared to tumors that do not recur
  • Response to treatment: Tumors that respond to treatment have better prognosis compared to tumors that do not respond to treatment
• It is important to note that neuroendocrine Pancreatic Cancers have a different and more favorable prognosis than the more common exocrine Pancreatic Cancers
• In general, the overall 5-year survival rate of individuals with exocrine Pancreatic Cancer is poor, even during the early stages, as these are aggressive malignancies. In a majority of cases, surgery to remove the tumor is not an option due to the cancer spreading to other parts of the body
• If the cancer is detected early and surgery to remove the tumor is still possible, the five-year survival rate is approximately 26%. In cases where the cancer has spread into the surrounding organs, the 5-year survival rate is 10%. If the cancer has spread to distant organs, the 5-year survival rate is 2%
• Regular follow-up visits with the healthcare provider are important and highly-recommended

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Pancreatic Cancer:

• It is estimated that the average lifetime risk for developing Pancreatic Cancer is about 1 in 67 (1.5%)
• Individuals can reduce their overall risk for developing Pancreatic Cancer through suitable food and lifestyle changes