Pancreatic Cancer

What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach. It is made up of exocrine cells and endocrine cells. Exocrine cells produce enzymes that help the body digest food. Endocrine cells make hormones — including insulin — that control blood sugar levels.

Pancreatic cysts are usually noncancerous, or benign. However, some can be precancerous and develop into cancer later. If your physician suspects you have pancreatic cysts, she or he may test them and monitor for changes.

However, pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect because early-stage tumors do not appear on imaging studies. As a result, most cases are diagnosed in advanced stages when the cancer progresses faster.

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer that has not spread is 44 percent. If the cancer has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is 16 percent.

Types of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic tumors form in either the exocrine or endocrine cells of the pancreas.

Exocrine tumors are the most common and are usually cancerous, or malignant. Exocrine tumors typically start in the pancreatic ducts and are most often adenocarcinomas. Unfortunately, these tumors are usually found after the cancer has advanced.

Endocrine tumors are less common and can be malignant or benign. These tumors are sometimes called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) or islet cell tumors. The treatment for endocrine tumors depends on the tumor's type and stage.

Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer

One of the main risk factors for pancreatic cancer is having a family history of the disease. Inherited syndromes — including Lynch syndrome, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome — have been linked to pancreatic cancer. Our genetic counseling and testing team can test for mutations and determine whether you have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Other factors that may increase risk of pancreatic cancer include:

• Smoking or using tobacco
• Being African American
• Being older than 55
• Having obesity
• Having a personal history of diabetes
• Having chronic pancreatitis
• Being exposed to cancer-causing chemicals, including pesticides, dyes, asbestos and petrochemicals

Pancreatic Cancer Prevention

There is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer. However, you can reduce your risk for pancreatic cancer by:

• Not using tobacco — speak with your physician if you need help quitting
• Exercising regularly
• Eating a healthy diet, which includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy — talk with your physician or a nutritionist about what you should eat
• Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink
• Keeping a healthy weight — ask your physician what a healthy weight is for you

Screening for Pancreatic Cancer

Typical wellness visits with your doctor do not include screening for pancreatic cancer. However, if you have a genetic disease that increases your risk, your doctor may recommend certain tests.