Pancreatic Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is usually treated by a team led by an oncologist, a doctor who treats cancer. A surgeon and a gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats digestive organs, are often part of the team. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach and in front of your spine. It makes juices that help break down food.
Pancreatic cancer usually begins in the cells that make the juices. It is hard to catch early. The pancreas is hidden behind other organs, so health care providers cannot see or feel tumors during routine exams. It is often found late and spreads quickly, so it can be hard to treat.
Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer does not cause symptoms right away. When symptoms do appear, they are often vague, or you may not notice them. They can include:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Pain in the belly and back.
- Weight loss.
- Fatigue, which means feeling very tired.
Causes and who gets it
Pancreatic cancer is caused by changes in how pancreatic cells grow and divide into new cells. A risk factor is anything that increases the chance of getting a disease. Having a risk factor does not mean you will get pancreatic cancer. Risk factors include:
- Age. The risk goes up with age, and nearly two-thirds of people are diagnosed at age 65 or older.
- Smoking cigarettes, which is a major risk factor.
- Having a parent or sibling with pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis may raise your risk. So may several other close relatives with it, such as grandparents, aunts, or cousins. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.
- Diabetes, which can raise the risk. Newly diagnosed diabetes can also be a symptom of pancreatic cancer.
- Long-term pancreatitis, which can damage pancreas tissue and raise the risk of cancer.
- Heavy alcohol use, which may be a risk factor.
Some inherited genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome, may also raise the risk. Up to 10% of all pancreatic cancers are linked to inherited genetic syndromes.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors use a physical exam, blood tests, imaging tests, and a biopsy to diagnose it.
Treatment
You and your cancer care team will work together to decide your treatment plan. It depends on the stage of the cancer, your overall health, and your preferences. Possible treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
- Surgery. When surgery can completely remove the tumor, you have the best chance of long-term survival. But pancreatic cancer is often found at an advanced stage, when complete removal is not possible. Surgery is complex and carries risks. Even after complete removal, there is a high risk of the cancer coming back.
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. It is often given as a combination of different drugs. It can have serious side effects, and your doctor will help you choose a plan that fits you.
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or other radiation. It kills cancer cells or keeps them from growing.
- Targeted therapy uses drugs that attack specific cancer cells with less harm to normal cells. A small number of pancreatic cancers may respond to it.
- Immunotherapy helps a person's immune system fight cancer. A small number of pancreatic cancers may respond to it.
- Palliative care aims to improve quality of life and comfort. It treats cancer-related symptoms, pain, and anxiety.
Many experts believe it is important for all people with pancreatic cancer to join a clinical trial, even if they have early-stage cancer.
When to see a doctor
Tell your doctor if you have yellowing of the skin and eyes, pain in the belly and back, weight loss, or fatigue. Talk with your doctor if you think you might be at risk of pancreatic cancer. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you faint, have chest pain, or have severe trouble breathing. Do the same for severe belly pain or pressure, or if you cough up or vomit blood.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can review your symptoms and risk factors. They can order first tests and help you coordinate care with specialists.
Common questions
Why is pancreatic cancer hard to find early?
It often causes no symptoms at first, and the pancreas is hidden behind other organs. Health care providers cannot see or feel tumors during routine exams. When symptoms do appear, they are often vague.
Can surgery remove pancreatic cancer?
Sometimes it can. When surgery can completely remove the tumor, you have the best chance of long-term survival. But the cancer is often found at an advanced stage, when complete removal is not possible. Even if the tumor is removed, there is a high risk of the cancer coming back.
Can pancreatic cancer be prevented?
No, nothing can prevent pancreatic cancer. But quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and keeping a healthy weight and diet can help lower your risk.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Pancreatic Cancer
- National Cancer Institute - Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
- National Cancer Institute - Pancreatic Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
