Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas is a gland involved in digestion and blood sugar regulation.

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
There often are none until the cancer is advanced. Later symptoms may include jaundice, pain in the abdomen or back and swelling of the abdomen that may make it difficult to finish a full meal, and vomiting.

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?
Pancreatic cancer is often not detected until it has spread to other parts of the body. There are no routine screening tests available, but those considered at high risk are sometimes checked with a type of imaging called endoscopic ultrasound.

What are the treatments for pancreatic cancer?
Depending on the stage of the cancer and your age and general health, surgical removal of the tumor or ablation/embolization treatments may be an option. Radiation, chemotherapy may be given, or a combination of these things.

What are the risk factors for pancreatic cancer?
A family history of the disease, obesity, diabetes and smoking are all associated with pancreatic cancer. Most pancreatic cancer occurs in older people, and more men than women develop it. African Americans and Ashkenazi Jews are more likely to develop the disease than those of other races.

What are some additional resources for learning about pancreatic cancer?
If you or your loved one is facing pancreatic cancer, CalvertHealth has a whole range of services designed to help you so you never take this journey alone. Please talk to your CalvertHealth provider or your Nurse Navigator, or check the service pages for information about treatments, services and support groups.