Pancreatic cancer
Concerned
We’re here to help. Find out about pancreatic cancer, it’s symptoms, risks and other useful information.
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Diagnosed
Receiving a diagnosis can be worrying. We can guide you through the disease, it’s treatments and the next steps.
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Pancreatic cancer
Helpful sources and advice for you or someone you care for, maximising quality of life and end of life planning.
Read moreAbout pancreatic cancer
What should I know about pancreatic cancer?
- Twenty-nine people are newly diagnosed with the disease each day.
- For those diagnosed in time for surgery, their chances of surviving beyond five years increases by up to 30%. Knowing the signs and symptoms means you can act on any concerns you might have, sooner.
- Over 44% of all patients are diagnosed as an emergency in A&E, where it is more likely that the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body.
- Pancreatic cancer can affect any adult. It occurs equally in men and women.
- The disease receives only 3.1% of cancer research funding.
- Pancreatic cancer is the UK’s 5th biggest cancer killer.
- In most cases, it can develop unexpectedly with no family connections to the disease.
Twenty-nine people are newly diagnosed with the disease each day.
Over 44% of all patients are diagnosed as an emergency in A&E, where it is more likely that the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body.
Pancreatic cancer is the UK’s 5th biggest cancer killer.
In the UK, almost 10,500 people are newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year.
Worldwide there are around 338,000 new cases each year. In Europe, that figure is more than 104,000. Pancreatic cancer affects men and women equally, with incidence increasing from the age of 45. The average age at diagnosis is 72.
About survival
The 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer has risen to 7.3%, in the UK. Though it may seem small, after almost five decades without a meaningful increase in survival, we are beginning to see a slow but positive trend upwards.
In 2010, when Pancreatic Cancer Action was founded, survival was around 3% and had not increased in years. We are beginning to make inroads into the disease, so more people can survive for longer.
However, pancreatic cancer still has the lowest 5-year survival rate of all the 22 most common cancers. This is largely due to late diagnosis.
Take action, now
Help us improve the survival rates of pancreatic cancer by taking action, today. However you choose to take action to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, we are so grateful for your determination, generosity and support.
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