What is the prognosis (outlook)?
If a pancreatic cancer is diagnosed and treated at an early stage then there is a modest chance of a cure with surgery. As a rule, the smaller the tumour, and the earlier the tumour is diagnosed, the better the outlook. Some tumours which develop in the head of the pancreas are diagnosed very early as they block the bile duct and cause jaundice fairly early on. This obvious symptom is then investigated and surgery to remove a small tumour may be curative.
However, most pancreatic cancer are advanced before they cause symptoms and are diagnosed. A cure is unlikely in most cases. However, treatment may slow down the progression of the cancer.
The treatment of cancer is a developing area of medicine. New treatments continue to be developed and the information on outlook above is very general. The specialist who knows your case can give more accurate information about your particular outlook, and how well your type and stage of cancer is likely to respond to treatment.
Further help and information
Pancreatic Cancer UK: 31 Brooklyn Drive, Emmer Green, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8SR, tel: 0118 9472934. Web: www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk provides information and support to pancreatic cancer patients and their carers, family and friends
CancerBACUP: 3 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3JR, tel: 0808 800 1234. Web: www.cancerbacup.org.uk provides information and support to anyone affected by cancer.
Cancer Research UK: Their website www.cancerhelp.org.uk provides facts about cancer including treatment choices.
Other support groups: See Cancer Support Groups for a list of self help and support groups for cancer patients.
© EMIS and PIP 2006 Updated: 12th May 2009
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