Written with men in mind. Most of this guide applies to everyone. Details specific to women — such as screening ages and risks that differ — are not covered yet; female health guides are being written.
What it is
Pancreatic cancer starts in the pancreas, the gland behind the stomach that makes digestive juices and insulin. Symptoms often don't appear until the cancer has spread, which makes it hard to find early.[1]
Most pancreatic cancers start in the cells lining the ducts. A tumour in the head of the pancreas can block the bile duct and cause jaundice.[2][1]
Resectable tumours are treated with surgery (for example pancreaticoduodenectomy) plus chemotherapy such as FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine-based regimens; biomarker testing identifies the minority suitable for targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Up to 10% of cases are linked to inherited syndromes (e.g. BRCA1/2, Lynch).[2][3]
See the pancreas deep in the upper abdomen, curled into the duodenum.
See it in 3DHow common it is
The American Cancer Society estimates about 35,190 men will be diagnosed and about 27,230 men will die of pancreatic cancer in the US in 2026.[4]
Causes and risk factors
Things you can't change
Things you can change
Symptoms worth reporting to a doctor
- Pain in the upper or middle belly that may spread to the back
- Jaundice: yellow skin and eyes, pale stools, dark urine, itching
- Weight loss without trying; poor appetite; tiredness
- Bloating, nausea or vomiting
- New diabetes without the usual risk factors, or unexplained blood clots
These can have less serious causes, but should be checked.[1]
Get urgent care if…
How it's diagnosed
Stages in general terms
In general terms:[5]
- Localised: still where it started.
- Regional: spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes.
- Distant: spread to other parts of the body.
An illustration, not a stage. Human Atlas never assigns a stage. Only your own tests and your care team can do that.
Types of treatment
- Surgery. Such as the Whipple procedure, when the tumour can be removed.[2]
- Chemotherapy and radiation. Before or after surgery, or as the main treatment.[2]
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy. For tumours with specific changes.[2]
- Palliative care. Including stents to relieve blocked bile flow, to manage symptoms and quality of life.[2]
Which option fits depends on the details of each person’s situation. Your care team decides with you.
What you can do
Questions to ask your doctor
- Can the tumour be removed with surgery?
- Should I have genetic testing?
- Are there clinical trials for me?
- How will pain and digestion be managed?
Myth vs. fact
Guided lesson
Plus Chapter 1 is free for everyone.
Follow this topic step by step on the 3D body.
Start chapter 1 freeRelated topics
Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes
Blood sugar that stays too high. Millions have it without knowing — and prediabetes can often be stopped from progressing.
Understanding cancer: the basics
What cancer is, how screening differs from diagnosis, what 'stage' means, and the main types of treatment — in plain English.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute. Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms. Checked 24 October 2026.
- National Cancer Institute. Pancreatic Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version. Checked 23 October 2026.
- National Cancer Institute. Pancreatic Cancer Causes and Risk Factors. Checked 24 October 2026.
- American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Pancreatic Cancer (2026 estimates). Checked 23 October 2026.
- National Cancer Institute. Cancer Staging. Checked 23 October 2026.
- US Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: Top 10 Things to Know. Checked 23 October 2026.
The owner of this website is not a doctor. Human Atlas provides educational anatomy information and does not diagnose, stage, or treat disease. Talk to a qualified clinician about anything concerning your own health.