In short
Pancreatic cancer is hard to spot early because the pancreas sits deep in the abdomen. See a GP about unexplained weight loss, jaundice, new upper tummy or back pain, indigestion that will not settle, greasy stools, or new type 2 diabetes if you are not overweight. Most of these signs have other causes. Checking them is how the few that are cancer get found sooner.
Around 10,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year, and about 9,400 die of it. Five-year survival is about 7–10% — the lowest of any common UK cancer — mainly because most cases are found late.
About 70% of tumours start in the head of the pancreas, where they can block the bile duct and cause jaundice. Tumours in the body or tail often stay silent longer.
Which symptoms should you report?
The NHS advises a GP visit if you have any of these without a clear explanation, especially over 60.
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), dark pee, pale poo or itchy skin
- Weight loss without trying
- New upper tummy or back pain, sometimes worse after eating or lying down
- Indigestion that does not respond to usual medicines
- New type 2 diabetes without an obvious reason
Why is pancreatic cancer found late?
There is no NHS screening programme for people at average risk. Early tumours rarely hurt. By the time jaundice or weight loss appears, the cancer may already be beyond surgery.
Only about 15–20% of patients can have potentially curative surgery at diagnosis. That is why vague symptoms in older adults are still worth a prompt check.
Help a patient afford cancer care
Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
Donate to cancer careWho is at higher risk?
Smoking causes about a quarter of cases. Other risks include age over 60, obesity, long-standing type 2 diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, and a family history. About 10% have a hereditary component, including BRCA2, Lynch syndrome and hereditary pancreatitis.
Key takeaways
- Jaundice, unexplained weight loss and new upper abdominal or back pain should be checked.
- There is no routine NHS screening test for average-risk adults.
- About 15–20% of people can have surgery at diagnosis.
- Five-year UK survival is about 7–10%, mainly because of late diagnosis.
Care like this is out of reach for millions
The diagnosis, screening and treatment described here are routine in the UK. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, poverty can put them out of reach. The Cancer Emergency Appeal raises funds towards clinically recommended care for patients who cannot pay; gifts go to the wider fund and do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
Frequently asked questions
Does indigestion mean pancreatic cancer?
Usually not. Indigestion is common. Indigestion that will not settle, especially with weight loss or jaundice, should still be assessed by a GP.
Can new diabetes be a sign?
New type 2 diabetes in someone who is not overweight, or diabetes that suddenly worsens, can occasionally be linked to pancreatic disease. Mention it to a GP.
Is there a blood test that screens for it?
No reliable population screening blood test is used on the NHS for average-risk people. Diagnosis uses scans, blood tests and specialist assessment after symptoms or incidental findings.
Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Editorial responsibility: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026.
What are the sources for this guide?
Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page.