What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that starts in the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ inside your tummy that helps with digestion and helps control blood sugar.
Symptoms can be hard to spot at first, so it’s important to notice changes that don’t go away.
Pancreatic cancer usually develops because of a mix of things over time. Often there is no single clear cause.
Lifestyle and health factors that can increase risk:
- Smoking
- Being overweight or living with obesity
Longer-term factors:
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Getting older (more common over 65)
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Chronic pancreatitis (long-term inflammation of the pancreas)
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Family history of pancreatic cancer
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Diabetes can be linked with pancreatic cancer (in some people it can be a risk factor or a symptom)
Having one or more risk factors does not mean someone will develop pancreatic cancer, it just means the chance may be higher.
You don’t need to panic, just notice what’s usual for you.
Some signs to look out for:
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice) (often with itching, dark pee, or pale poo)
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very tired
- Ongoing tummy/back discomfort, indigestion, or feeling sick
When to get advice
Speak to your GP surgery if you notice any of the above signs or have any concerns.
Tests and next steps for pancreatic cancer - NHS
For more information you can visit any of the links below.
Last reviewed: January 2026