Investigating symptoms

Investigating pancreatic cancer can be a complex process

When your GP examines you, they may look for jaundice (yellowing of the skin), feel your tummy and send blood or urine samples to be tested. If your symptoms include abdominal (tummy) pain, weight loss and jaundice together, then you should be referred to hospital urgently. This does not mean that you definitely have pancreatic cancer, it just means that your symptoms need investigation quickly.

Testing for pancreatic cancer

Once referred to the hospital, you may meet several healthcare professionals. You maybe asked many questions, including your history and be sent for more tests. This helps to decide what tests you may need. 

Often, people with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed after visiting an accident and emergency department. This may be because your symptoms have worsened quickly or have started suddenly. Whether you are investigated for pancreatic cancer through a GP referral or the hospital, the diagnosis is similar. You will be referred to a gastroenterologist or another specialist to carry out tests and try and find out what is causing your symptoms.

Waiting for results

Waiting for test results can be a difficult time for both you and your loved ones. If you find that you need support, please click here.

If you do receive a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, then you will likely need to have more tests to find out as much as possible about the tumour. They will use these test results to figure out the stage of the tumour and possible treatments. These will be a multidisciplinary team made up of doctors, nurses and other health professionals in this time who can help you emotionally as well as physically, so feel free to ask them all the questions you have.

Pancreatic Cancer Action publishes patient information booklets about pancreatic cancer and the treatment at different stages. This information will help you to understand your diagnosis, and what happens next.