Early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the UK. It is difficult to detect, is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, and survival rates are extremely poor. 

One in four people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in England survive their disease for one year or more, with emergency presentation the most common route to diagnosis. (Cancer Research UK, 2013-2017).

The difficulty is pancreatic cancer can be very hard to diagnose as symptoms are vague, ambiguous and can be caused by other conditions. Early diagnosis, however, is critical to improving outcomes and survival, and understanding the risk factors and symptoms is key.

Resources for healthcare professionals

To support primary care in early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, a toolkit has been produced by Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance.

EUROPAC aims to develop early detection methods for pancreatic cancer. Read more here: European Registry of Hereditary Pancreatic Diseases (EUROPAC)

EUROPAC referral sheet for eligible participants. Emma Crowe is the north east London navigator and completed referral forms from clinicians can be emailed to her to coordinate: emma.crowe@rlbuht.nhs.uk

NICE Guidance (NG85) on Pancreatic cancer in adults: diagnosis and management.