Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is not common, but there are over 7,000 people diagnosed in the UK each year.
Many people know about the pancreas as the gland that produces insulin, the hormone that enables the body to absorb sugar.
About one third of pancreatic cancers are linked to tobacco use and people who have recurrent inflammation of the pancreas are at increased risk of developing cancer. It is important that this cancer is treated early, but it can be hard to diagnose.
The symptoms are vague, for example loss of weight or pain in the abdomen. These can be symptoms of other illnesses. Pancreatic cancer is confirmed through scans, endoscopy and biopsy. Surgeons may sometimes be able to remove all or part of the gland, and radiotherapyand chemotherapy can also be used to treat the cancer itself or to help to reduce the side effects from the disease.
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ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography) may be used as a diagnostic test
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Endocrine or islet cell cancers can also develop in the pancreas
Further information
Cancerbackup
www.cancerbackup.org.uk
CancerHelp
www.cancerhelp.org.uk
Pancreatic Cancer UK
www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk
Support
Pancreatic Cancer UK
www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk
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