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Symptoms & Risk Factors

In 2025, an estimated 67,440 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and approximately 51,980 will die from the disease. The five-year relative survival rate for pancreatic cancer is 13%, and for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the most common type, it’s only 8%. Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. 

Symptoms

Pancreatic cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms until the disease is advanced. Mayo Clinic says when they happen, signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include:

  • Belly pain that spreads to the sides or back.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Weight loss.
  • Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, called jaundice.
  • Light-colored or floating stools.
  • Dark-colored urine.
  • Itching.
  • New diagnosis of diabetes or diabetes that’s getting harder to control.
  • Pain and swelling in an arm or leg, which might be caused by a blood clot.
  • Tiredness or weakness

Risk factors

Modifiable Risk Factors:

  • Smoking:  Smokers have a significantly higher risk of pancreatic cancer, with the risk increasing with the number of cigarettes smoked.
  • Obesity:  Being overweight or obese increases the risk of pancreatic cancer, particularly with excess weight around the waist.
  • Diabetes: Having type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, with some experts believing the connection is weight-related.
  • Chronic Pancreatitis:  Long-term inflammation of the pancreas (chronic pancreatitis) can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, often seen in people with heavy alcohol use and smoking.
  • Diet: Diets high in red and processed meats, as well as processed and fried foods, are linked to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer.
  • Excessive Alcohol Consumption:  Heavy drinking is linked to increased risk, potentially contributing to chronic pancreatitis. 

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:

  • Age:  The risk of pancreatic cancer increases with age, with most diagnoses occurring after age 60. 
  • Family History:  A family history of pancreatic cancer, particularly if multiple relatives are affected, increases the risk. 
  • Race and Ethnicity:  Some racial and ethnic groups may have a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. 
  • Genetic Predispositions:  Certain gene mutations, such as BRCA2, can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. 
  • Chemical Exposure:  Exposure to certain chemicals, like those used in dry cleaning and metalworking, may increase the risk. 

Other Factors:

  • Pancreatic Cysts:  Non-cancerous cysts in the pancreas carry a small risk of becoming cancerous. 
  • Gallstones and Gallbladder Removal:  Some research suggests that people with gallstones or who have had their gallbladder removed may have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. 
  • Physical Inactivity:  Some research suggests that lack of physical activity may increase pancreatic cancer risk. 

Prevention

Screening for people with a high risk of pancreatic cancer

Screening uses tests to look for signs of pancreatic cancer in people who don’t have symptoms. It might be an option if you have a very high risk of pancreatic cancer. Your risk might be high if you have a strong family history of pancreatic cancer or if you have an inherited DNA change that increases the risk of cancer.

Pancreatic cancer screening might involve imaging tests, such as MRI and ultrasound. These tests are generally repeated every year.

The goal of screening is to find pancreatic cancer when it’s small and most likely to be cured. Research is ongoing, so it’s not yet clear whether screening can lower the risk of dying of pancreatic cancer. There are risks to screening. This includes the chance of finding something that requires surgery but later turns out to not be cancer.

Talk about the benefits and risks of pancreatic cancer screening with your health care team. Together you can decide whether screening is right for you.

 

Genetic testing for cancer risk

If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer, discuss it with a health care professional. The health professional can review your family history and help you understand whether genetic testing might be right for you.

Genetic testing can find DNA changes that run in families and increase the risk of cancer. If you’re interested in genetic testing, you might be referred to a genetic counselor or other health care professional trained in genetics.

You can view an up to date list of genetic counselors in Metro Detroit by clicking here. 

For more information and siting, please visit the Mayo Clinic website.